Business leaders who cycled 500 miles smash fundraising targets to raise £401k for Maggie's Highland cancer support centre
A team of business people has raised more than £401,000 for the Maggie’s Highland cancer support centre after completing a gruelling 500-mile cycle challenge.
Last month’s five-day Maggie’s 500 Cycle tackled some of the most challenging routes in the Highlands and climbed 30,000ft.
An initial fundraising target of £150,000 was smashed along with several revised targets.
The total raised so far was revealed as the 40 participants, their support team, organisers and family members and friends gathered at the Ironworks in Inverness for their final fundraising event.
It was a concert by "The Smiths", featuring cyclist Kenny Smith, from the band, Torridon, Linda Smith and special guests Tony Henry, Michael Macmillan, Calum Duff and Amy Henderson.
Donations are still coming in and all the money raised will go towards the running of the Maggie’s Highlands centre – located in the grounds of Raigmore Hospital, Inverness – to provide free, vital practical and emotional support for people in the Highlands living with cancer and their families. Its annual running costs are about £480,000.
Co-lead organiser and participant Willie Gray, who is managing director of Ark Estates, was "absolutely blown away" by the efforts of all the cyclists to smash their personal fundraising targets and the incredible generosity of individuals and businesses in the Highlands.
"To raise £400,000 would have seemed unthinkable last year when we had to cancel the original event and a number of large fundraising events." he said.
"But from businesses donating five-figure sums down to children donating their pocket money, we have been absolutely humbled by the support."
Anyone wanting to give a donation can still do so at www.justgiving.com/campaign/maggies500cycle
Watch: Business leaders cheered off at start of 500-mile cycle ride
