bikers – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Bikers raise over £25,000 for NSPCC riding John o’ Groats to Land’s End

· Motorcycle group ride south from John o’ Groats dressed as 1970s stunt legend Evel Knievel for charity

· Welsh group travel through Inverness, Perth and Falkirk during Scottish leg of journey to Land’s End

· The group has already raised £25,000 for NSPCC as part of epic journey

A group of about 40 Welsh motorcycling enthusiasts rode their bikes through Scotland to raise money for the NSPCC – dressed as the 1970s bike stunt legend Evel Knievel.

The Ride Cymru group spent two days (23 & 24 May) in Scotland as part of their wider journey from John o’ Groats to Land’s End using non-motorway roads.

The group, who have done several fundraising drives in Wales before, are no strangers to Scotland. In 2017, they raised £5,000 for the NSPCC by riding to the three mainland capitals – London, Cardiff and Edinburgh – in two days.

But this latest fundraiser has smashed that record and their Justgiving page has already reached nearly £24,000.

The Welsh bikers will be joined by Maurice McDonald-Smith, from East Kilbride. Or, as he likes to be called, the “Scottish Knievel”.

He said: “I consider it a privilege to be allowed into the family of the Cymru Knievel riders who come together each year to raise money to help the children of Scotland and the rest of the UK to enjoy a better childhood.

“Last year was my first time raising money for the NSPCC and everyone I met from the charity were the nicest and kindest people – I think their commitment and dedication to keeping children safe needs to be supported.

“This is where the drive to fundraise comes from. I have been fundraising for the last 10 years for charities such as Macmillan Cancer Support, Teenage Cancer Trust and more. The engagement by the NSPCC staff and volunteers last year made raising money for them the most rewarding.”

Fiona Milne, an NSPCC Fundraiser in the north of Scotland, said: “We are so incredibly excited to have the Cymru Knievels in Scotland to raise funds for the NSPCC.

“It truly was an epic journey and we really appreciate that they have chosen us as their charitable cause. The money they will raise will help us continue our vital work keeping children safe from abuse and neglect.”

To find out more about fundraising events with the charity, visit the NSPCC website. To donate to the Ride Cymru drive, visit their Justgiving site.

A call to bikers: join Poppyscotland’s Ride of Remembrance

Poppyscotland is calling for bikers to get involved in a special Ride of Remembrance in Edinburgh this weekend.

On Sunday (11 October) around 200 motorbikes, scooters, trikes and quads are expected to take part in the 2015 Ride of Remembrance, organised by Poppyscotland supporter group War Torn Troops Remembered (WTTR). The event is open to all bikers.

Departing from Straiton Park & Ride at 9am, the convoy will travel to the city, congregating at the Scots American War Memorial in Princes Street Gardens West where, at 10.30am, a Remembrance service will take place. A pipe band will play and there will be a collection for Poppyscotland.

This will be the fourth year that the biking community has come together to pay tribute to Servicemen and women who have lost their lives. In support of Poppyscotland’s current work with members of the Armed Forces community, WTTR has raised £12,615 for the charity since 2012 through this annual event and other year-round fundraising activity.

Bikers wishing to take part can find out more and register in advance by emailing wttrregistration@yahoo.co.uk There is a registration fee of £5 with all proceeds being donated to Poppyscotland.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the service in Princes Street Gardens West.

Ride of Respect: bikers support Poppy Appeal

Scotland’s biking community joined forces yesterday to take part in the third annual Ride of Respect, a parade and service of Remembrance organised by Poppyscotland support group, War Torn Troops Remembered (WTTR).

A bike emblazoned with poppies led the convoy of 200 motorbikes, scooters, trikes and quad bikes from Straiton Park & Ride to Princes Street Gardens West in Edinburgh where a service was held at the Scots American War Memorial. Laying the wreath was Sean Wiseman, who serves with The Royal Highland Fusiliers 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (2 SCOTS). Sean lost his right leg below the knee as a result of being injured in Afghanistan.

The annual Ride of Respect was introduced in 2012 to enable Scotland’s biking community to commemorate the Fallen and to show support for those affected by the consequences of war today. The event is the brainchild of bikers Karen Holmes and Colour Sergeant Jim Thomson (2 SCOTS) who created WTTR to raise funds for veterans’ charity Poppyscotland. Since January 2013 the group has raised £7,000 for Poppyscotland and an additional collection for the charity was held at yesterday’s event.

Co-founder Karen Holmes said: “We created this event to give bikers in Scotland an opportunity to honour Servicemen and women, past and present, in their own unique way. It was fantastic to see such a big representation today and it clearly demonstrates that support for the Armed Forces is as strong as ever.”

Poppyscotland Community Fundraiser for the East of Scotland Kirstie R-Mitchell said: “We are very grateful to everyone who has taken part in this very special tribute today and to the members of WTTR who have been raising funds for Poppyscotland throughout the year. The support from the biking community really will make a difference to those who have served, those still serving and their families.”