A KEITH TRAINEE fundraising assistant for a leading charity is set to take part in the 15th Glen Moray Sportive and Bike Ride this weekend.
Bruce Cruickshank lost his sight in 2010 but has never allowed his disability to get in the way of his determination to make a difference – now he is gearing up to pedal 25 miles over hilly terrain, all in aid of a charity that helps people throughout the north east with visual impairment or deafness.
Bruce is a trainee fundraising assistant for North East Sensory Services (NESS) based at Elizabeth House in Elgin and will be partnered on a tandem bike by volunteer Sandy Comfort.
The Glen Moray Sportive is a popular event held in collaboration with Moray Council – the event will raise funds for NESS in its work to support 4500 people in the north east who have severe visual and/or hearing impairment or deafness.
Hoping to break the record £6673 raised for NESS in the event last year, the challenge will see participants tackle a 10mile, 25mile or 75mile cycle route, with all setting out from the Sponsor’s premises at the Glen Moray Distillery.
Bruce, who was a former digger driver, came to NESS as a service user after he lost his sight due to having Type 1 diabetes in 2010.
He said: “I’ve been swimming and taking part in spinning cycling classes to help get me fit for the event, so I am quite confident we will be able to do it. It should be a great day, we’re just keeping our fingers crossed for the weather.”
Sandy, 63, added: “I’m really looking forward to the day itself, it should be great fun.
“I’m already a keen cyclist – so I’m confident Bruce and I will manage the challenge no problem.”