ORGANISERS OF THE 15th Glen Moray cycle and sportive event have declared it a massive success after raising a record-breaking £7500 for their cause.
With the help of Moray Council the annual event from the Glen Moray Distillery saw 206 cyclists line up last Saturday to take on a 10, 25 or 75 mile cycle route through the region.
All money raised will be used by North East Sensory Services (NESS) to boost their work in Moray and throughout the north east. A notable entrant in the event this year was former digger driver Bruce Cruickshank, who lost his sight through Type I Diabetes five years ago.
The 32-year-old took the back seat on a tandem behind NESS volunteer Sandy Comfort – and the pair completed the grueling 25-mile cycle, raising over £1200 from family and friends as a result.
Bruce said: “It was a really great day and a great atmosphere – everyone was in good spirits and it was great to see so many people taking part in the event.
“There was a couple of sudden hills that took me by surprise, but we managed to do it in two and a half hours, so I’m delighted by that.
“And it was also perfect conditions for cycling, there was a cool breeze and only a spot of rain at a couple of points towards the end, but we can’t complain!”
Neil Skene, fundraising coordinator for NESS said a big thanks must go to Glen Moray Distillery who are “excellent sponsors” of the event.
He said: “A big thanks must go to Glen Moray Distillery manager, Graham Coull and his team, who are excellent supporters of the event and who without, it could not go ahead. We are very grateful for their continued support.
“We are delighted by how the event went. We have not got a final total just yet as the money is still coming and being counted, but at the moment the total is sitting around £7500, which is just brilliant. A big well done to everyone who took part.
“NESS would like to thank sponsors Keith Tesco, Community Food Moray, Walkers Shortbread and Glen Moray Distillery for their hospitality.”