Sir Andy Murray voted Scotland’s Greatest Sportsperson of 21st century

  • The Scot’s 2013 Wimbledon triumph was also voted the greatest UK sporting moment of the century
  • Take part in this quiz to test your knowledge of the UK’s 21st century sporting success

Scotland’s greatest sportsperson of the 21st century has been revealed – with tennis legend Sir Andy Murray coming out on top.

Sports fans from Scotland have had their say and the three-time Grand Slam champion won with 61 per cent of the vote.

Second place went to six-time Olympic champion, Sir Chris Hoy, while third spot went to seven-time snooker World Champion, Stephen Hendry.

Scotland’s men’s football captain, Andy Robertson picked up fourth, tied with long-distance runner Eilish McColgan.

They were followed by Winter Olympic champion Eve Muirhead, and Olympic silver medallist Laura Muir, who received the same number of votes.

Commissioned by CopyBet.com, the poll of Scottish adults who watch sport also identified the greatest UK sporting moment of the century – with Sir Andy Murray coming out on top again for his 2013 Wimbledon triumph, followed by Sir Chris Hoy’s triple gold at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

A spokesperson for the betting platform said: “Scotland has a proud sporting history and it’s always enjoyable to reflect on the moments and sportspeople we remember most fondly.

“As the study shows, Scotland have had lots of success this century, and with the Summer Olympics and European Championships on the horizon, 2024 will surely see more memorable sporting moments.”

78 per cent of Scottish sports fans believe the UK’s sporting successes boost the morale of the nation – with 62 per cent of the opinion that it’s in need of another sporting triumph or two.

Carried out through OnePoll, the study found 59 per cent of Scottish sports fans believe the current generation of UK sportspeople holds up to those from past eras, with the same number being optimistic about the UK’s sporting prospects for the decade ahead.

A spokesperson for the betting platform added: “Recent successes will surely inspire the next generation of athletes to match or better past achievements.

“The future is looking bright for Scotland – no doubt sports fans will be excited to see what happens next.”

TOP 10 – SCOTTISH SPORTSPEOPLE OF THE 21ST CENTURY

1.                Sir Andy Murray 

2.                Sir Chris Hoy 

3.                Stephen Hendry MBE 

4.                Andy Robertson  

 5.            Eilish McColgan 

6.             Laura Muir  

7. Eve Muirhead OBE 

8.                Stuart Hogg MBE 

9.                Jamie Murray OBE 

10.             John Higgins MBE 

TOP 5 – UK SPORTING MOMENTS OF THE 21ST CENTURY

  1. Sir Andy Murray winning Wimbledon in 2013
  2. Sir Chris Hoy’s triple gold at the 2008 Olympics in track cycling
  3. Leicester City winning the Premier League in 2015/16
  4. ‘The Miracle of Istanbul’ – Liverpool’s comeback from 3-0 down to win the Champions League against AC Milan
  5. Sir Mo Farah’s double gold at the 2012 Olympics – 5,000m and 10,000m

itison and Social Bite work in tandem to ‘break the cycle’ of homelessness

– WIN A VIP EXPERIENCE WITH CHRIS HOY AS PART OF THE CHARITY EVENT –

Glasgow based itison will once again be working in tandem with Social Bite to offer a VIP experience with cycling legend Chris Hoy, to raise money for the charity and help end homelessness in Scotland and across the UK via its Break The Cycle fundraising event.

Known for its deals and events, itison has teamed up with Social Bite for over eight years and is now offering people across the country a chance to win a VIP meet and greet experience for them and three friends with Olympic gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy on 4th September, not to mention training tips and tricks on the run up to the charity ride, now in its second year.

Purchasing a £5 donation on itison will enter each person into a prize draw for the once-in-a-lifetime experience with Scotland’s cycling sweetheart with all monies going to Social Bite to help the homeless.

The winner and three friends will also get entry into one of the three charity cycle routes, a day full of free activities, in addition to complimentary pizza from Pizza Geeks, Break The Cycle totes packed with goodies, and entertainment at Murrayfield Stadium where all cycle routes will end.

Taking place this Sunday (4th September), Social Bite has added two additional routes this year to give more people the chance to take part in the fundraising challenge and help break the cycle of homelessness in Scotland.

Participants now have the option of a 20-mile or a three-mile challenge with the original Ultimate Challenge route still available at a whopping 60 miles, starting at Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow, finishing at BT Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh.

Having worked closely with Social Bite since its inception, itison has helped raise over £2.7 million for the charity with members donating thousands of meals to those who need it most, as well as funds for the first Social Bite Village in Edinburgh, with plans underway for villages in Glasgow and Dundee in 2023.

Attendees and participants will also be treated to live entertainment from Michael Welsh, Wukasa, Turn the Tables, as well as Scottish comedy legend Elaine C Smith, and some motivation and fitness tips from Mr Motivator, Al Kellock from the Scottish Rugby Union and Track cyclist Shanaze Reade.

**Pics free to use** SIR CHRIS HOY JOINS HUNDREDS OF CYCLISTS TO HELP RAISE OVER £700,000 TO BUILD TWO NEW VILLAGES FOR PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESSOlympic hero cycles with fellow riders on 60-mile route from Glasgow to Edinburgh to support Social Bite‘Break the Cycle’ campaign will help fund two new villages in Glasgow and London Sir Chris Hoy led the way today (Sunday 5 September) as he joined hundreds of other cyclists on a charity cycle from Glasgow to Edinburgh to raise money to help build two new villages for people experiencing homelessness.The Olympic legend completed the 60-mile route to support Social Bite’s ‘Break the Cycle’ campaign which has so far raised over £700,000 as it aims to fund the creation of two new Social Bite Villages in Glasgow and London.The cyclists set off from the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and pedalled through to the finish line in Edinburgh, near the Social Bite Village in Granton on Sunday, September 5.Each of the participating cyclists fundraised since the campaign launched earlier this year, with entrants having access to a host of special prizes, including naming a house at one of the new villages and a signed medal from Sir Chris. Amongst the 540 participants was former Scotland Rugby player, John Barclay, as well as residents and staff from the Social Bite Village in Edinburgh. TV fitness guru, Mr Motivator, was also on hand to warm the cyclists up on the start line and welcome them over the finish line at the end of their journey.Josh Littlejohn MBE, CEO and Co-Founder of Social Bite, who also completed the cycle, said: “It’s fantastic to have the opportunity to cycle alongside a sporting hero like Sir Chris and the hundreds of other passionate supporters that completed the route alongside us.“Having so many people support the cause is incredibly humbling and Sir Chris’ backing of this campaign has been a major boost in our efforts to raise money for two new villages for people in a situation of homelessness. “We’re working very hard behind the scenes on the plans for two further Social Bite Villages in not just London and Glasgow but other major cities as well, and the money from Break the Cycle will help turn these plans into a reality. We’re all very grateful to all of our supporters and partners who have helped push the campaign forward.”As well as the charity cycle, the fundraising campaign has been open to all levels of fitness and ability, with people across the UK taking part in virtual challenges since March to raise money.Challenges have ranged from long distance challenges, through to different exercise routines depending on what suited people best.Sir Chris Hoy said: “I’ve been a huge supporter of Social Bite and the incredible work it does for a number of years now.“I’ve seen the positive impact the charity has on so many people’s lives and I’m really thankful to everyone who has been able to support the Break the Cycle campaign so far.“It was fantastic to meet all the other cyclists and join them for the ride which will make such a difference to the lives of people experiencing homelessness.”Since opening in July 2018, Social Bite’s Edinburgh village in partnership with Cyrenians has helped 43 people find their feet again, 100% of the residents in a recent survey preferred living at the Social Bite Village over Hostels or B&Bs.The village offers a supportive community to help people build an independent life, with the village blueprint offering an alternative to how society responds to homelessness.Money raised from the Break the Cycle campaign will go towards creating the two highly supported communities with the pro bono help of engineering firm Arup. 10% of funds raised from the event will also be donated to SAMH, the Scottish Association for Mental Health and further funds will be invested in Social Bite’s mission to Break the Cycle of homelessness by providing food, employment opportunities, and housing projects.To find our more or donate, please visit: breakthecycle.co.ukENDSFor more information please email socialbite@stripecommunications or call Fraser Clarke on 07582 453633.NOTES TO EDITORS:About Social BiteSocial Bite started as a small sandwich shop on Rose Street in Edinburgh in August 2012 and has now grown to a major driving force in tackling homelessness in Scotland and further afield.One in 4 of Social Bite’s staff have a background of homelessness and the charity has received visits from Hollywood superstars Leonardo DiCaprio and George Clooney.Social Bite is the largest distributor of free fresh food to the homeless in the UK, giving out more than 140,000 items of food and hot drinks per year. In response to the recent pandemic, more than 800,000 emergency food packs and essential items were distributed.Social Bite’s 2017 and 2018 Sleep in Park events in Scotland raised almost £8million and saw more than 18,000 people sleeping out.With funds raised from Sleep in the Park events, The Social Bite Village was built in May 2018 and 43 people have since been housed in the bespoke accommodation. The charity also launched a nationwide program to bring 830 rough sleepers of the streets into their own accommodation with support. More than 530 people have now been housed and counting.In 2019, the charity’s founder Josh Littlejohn MBE created The World’s Big Sleepout, which was a global campaign to raise awareness of homelessness. The campaign saw 60,000 members of the public Sleepout in 52 cities all over the world and was supported by Will Smith and Dame Helen Mirren.The Social Bite Fund (SC045232) is a registered charity in Scotland on a mission to end homelessness through innovative housing solutions and, pioneering employment and support programmes.

Oi Norman, CEO at itison, said: “Homelessness is an epidemic, and with circumstances becoming more challenging for everyone across the UK, unfortunately it is affecting more people and families than ever.

“That’s why these types of fundraising activities are so essential, and to continue supporting Social Bite in its mission to end homelessness is so close to our hearts at itison.

“We hope that by offering this deal on our site we are able to encourage more people than ever to get involved, donate and have some fun. It’s not every day you get to meet legends such as Sir Chris Hoy, never mind being entertained by the likes of Elaine C Smith – plus who doesn’t love an excuse to wear that much lycra!”

Josh Littlejohn, co-founder of Social Bite, added: “itison has always championed our cause, and with their help, we have been able to build our Social Bite Village in Edinburgh, deliver thousands of meals to the most vulnerable in our society, and help to begin to break the cycle of homelessness which so often is rooted in poverty and trauma.

“With this latest offer from itison on their deals site, we will be able to further expand the work we do across Scotland and further afield, while offering our supporters a great day out for the whole family.”

Donate £5 for your chance to win via itison. The lucky winners will be announced on Friday 2nd September.     

100 per cent of money raised will be donated to Social Bite. Multiple donations and gifting of donations permitted. Each £5 entitles you to an entry.

https://www.itison.com/Edinburgh/deals/win-a-vip-meet-greet-experience-with-sir-chris-hoy-and-support-social-bite

Sporting stars Sir Chris Hoy and Al Kellock come together to support Social Bite’s Break the Cycle campaign

●       Social Bite’s Break the Cycle campaign returns bigger and better with plans to scale up vital projects providing jobs, homes and food for homeless people

●       Hoy and Kellock are backing the campaign and will cycle the 60-mile route from Glasgow to Edinburgh with fellow fundraising cyclists

●       The Scottish sporting stars are backing the “Break the Cycle” campaign to raise £1m, and will cycle 60-mile route from Glasgow to Edinburgh with fellow riders to raise money for the cause

●        This year’s event builds on the success of 2021, with new 20-mile and 3-mile routes available to ensure everyone can get involved no matter your cycling experience

Sir Chris Hoy and Al Kellock will be putting their helmets on and donning lycra as Social Bite once again launches its Break the Cycle campaign to raise £1m to fund vital projects to end homelessness.

Following a successful first event last year, it’s back again for 2022 and invites participants to make the 60-mile cycle from Glasgow to Edinburgh with the goal of raising significant funds to support its movement to end homelessness.

This year also sees the introduction of new 20-mile and 3-mile cycle routes, to ensure there’s opportunities for all ages and abilities to get involved – from experienced cyclists, through to families looking to have a great day out while doing their bit for the charitable cause.

The Break the Cycle event will take place on Sunday 4th September, with Olympic hero Sir Chris Hoy, and Glasgow Warriors Managing Director and former Scotland rugby captain, Al Kellock leading the charge and riding from Glasgow to Edinburgh.

Participants can sign up to “Team Hoy” and set off on the 60-mile cycle with Sir Chris Hoy from the Velodrome, where participants will be warmed-up by a legendary fitness guru.

Rugby fans can sign up to “Team Tom Smith” captained by Al Kellock, and joined by rugby stars of yesteryear, to set off from Glasgow Warrior’s Scotstoun stadium and ride across the city to join an expected 1,000 participants in the cycling challenge to Edinburgh.

Ten per cent of all fundraising from this team will be donated to a trust that has been set up by the Scottish Rugby community in aid of Tom Smith’s family, after the former Scotland and British & Irish Lions prop tragically passed away in April 2022.

The route will finish at the home of Scottish Rugby, BT Murrayfield Stadium, where fundraisers, along with their friends and families, will enjoy performances from a range of local acts as well as refreshments from some of the country’s top food and drinks establishments. 

As well as the physical event in September, there’s the opportunity to show your support by taking on your own 60-mile challenges to raise money, as the virtual challenges can be designed to suit each individual, using any mode or method.

Josh Littlejohn MBE, CEO and Co-Founder of Social Bite, said: “Break the Cycle is back this year, bigger and better and thrilled to have Sir Chris and Al on board to once again help us raise much-needed funds to break the cycle of homelessness.

“The funds raised at Break the Cycle will help us support people across the country who have experienced homelessness, whether that’s through supporting people to find a safe place to call home, empowering people to get a job, or by providing free, fresh food to people who are homeless or in food poverty.”

“With our new routes this year, the support of our famous faces getting involved, and what promises to be a real festival feel at the finish line at BT Murrayfield, we’re in for a really exciting event. Sign up to join this year’s Break the Cycle to raise vital funds to end homelessness.”

Sir Chris Hoy said: “I’ve been a proud supporter of Social Bite for a number of years now, from the very first sleep-out event in 2016 through to the first Break the Cycle event last year.

“The work they do is inspiring and has such a positive impact on so many people’s lives so it’s always great to help out in whatever way I can.”

“I had great fun in 2021 cycling with all the other fundraisers and can’t wait to return again this September for what promises to be an even bigger and better event for a great cause.”

Al Kellock said: “I’m thrilled that myself and Glasgow Warriors are supporting Social Bite with its Break the Cycle campaign which does so much to help support people who need it most.

“I would encourage Scottish Rugby fans to join me in setting off from Scotstoun Stadium all the way to BT Murrayfield and I’m really looking forward toraising as much money as possible for the cause as well as supporting the creation of a trust for Tom Smith’s family after his tragic passing.”

To find out more, sign-up, or donate, please visit: breakthecycle.co.uk

Sir Chris Hoy joins hundreds of cyclists to ‘Break the Cycle’

Sir Chris Hoy led the way today as he joined hundreds of other cyclists on a charity cycle from Glasgow to Edinburgh to raise money to help build two new villages for people experiencing homelessness.

The Olympic legend completed the 60-mile route to support Social Bite’s ‘Break the Cycle’ campaign which has so far raised over £700,000 as it aims to fund the creation of two new Social Bite Villages in Glasgow and London.

The cyclists set off from the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and pedalled through to the finish line in Edinburgh, near the Social Bite Village in Granton on Sunday 5 September.

Each of the participating cyclists fundraised since the campaign launched earlier this year, with entrants having access to a host of special prizes, including naming a house at one of the new villages and a signed medal from Sir Chris.

Amongst the 540 participants was former Scotland Rugby player, John Barclay, as well as residents and staff from the Social Bite Village in Edinburgh.

TV fitness guru, Mr Motivator, was also on hand to warm the cyclists up on the start line and welcome them over the finish line at the end of their journey.

Josh Littlejohn MBE, CEO and Co-Founder of Social Bite, who also completed the cycle, said: “It’s fantastic to have the opportunity to cycle alongside a sporting hero like Sir Chris and the hundreds of other passionate supporters that completed the route alongside us.

“Having so many people support the cause is incredibly humbling and Sir Chris’ backing of this campaign has been a major boost in our efforts to raise money for two new villages for people in a situation of homelessness.

“We’re working very hard behind the scenes on the plans for two further Social Bite Villages in not just London and Glasgow but other major cities as well, and the money from Break the Cycle will help turn these plans into a reality. We’re all very grateful to all of our supporters and partners who have helped push the campaign forward.”

As well as the charity cycle, the fundraising campaign has been open to all levels of fitness and ability, with people across the UK taking part in virtual challenges since March to raise money.

Challenges have ranged from long distance challenges, through to different exercise routines depending on what suited people best.

Sir Chris Hoy said: “I’ve been a huge supporter of Social Bite and the incredible work it does for a number of years now.

“I’ve seen the positive impact the charity has on so many people’s lives and I’m really thankful to everyone who has been able to support the Break the Cycle campaign so far.

“It was fantastic to meet all the other cyclists and join them for the ride which will make such a difference to the lives of people experiencing homelessness.”

Since opening in July 2018, Social Bite’s Edinburgh village in partnership with Cyrenians has helped 43 people find their feet again, 100% of the residents in a recent survey preferred living at the Social Bite Village over Hostels or B&Bs.

The village offers a supportive community to help people build an independent life, with the village blueprint offering an alternative to how society responds to homelessness.

Money raised from the Break the Cycle campaign will go towards creating the two highly supported communities with the pro bono help of engineering firm Arup.

10% of funds raised from the event will also be donated to SAMH, the Scottish Association for Mental Health and further funds will be invested in Social Bite’s mission to Break the Cycle of homelessness by providing food, employment opportunities, and housing projects.

To find our more or donate, please visit: breakthecycle.co.uk

PureGym partners with Social Bite to break the cycle of homelessness

Led by PureGym Ambassador Sir Chris Hoy, PureGym is partnering with the Scotland-based charity Social Bite, which aims to raise £1 million to break the cycle of homelessness

Social Bite’s Break the Cycle fundraising campaign includes a 60-mile cycle from Glasgow to  Edinburgh on Sunday 5th September 2021 as well as a number of other physical challenges. 

PureGym, the UK’s leading gym operator, is proud to be partnering with  Social Bite, a Scotland-based charity that aims to end homelessness through pioneering  employment, food, and housing initiatives, on its Break the Cycle campaign.

Led by 6x Olympic  champion and PureGym Ambassador, Sir Chris Hoy, PureGym’s Scottish gym staff and members will  undertake a number of physical challenges to help Social Bite fundraise £1 million to build two new  villages – and they need your help! 

Homelessness is a growing problem in the UK and the current provision of temporary  accommodation like hostels and B&Bs does not provide suitable, supportive, or cost-effective  environments to enable people to escape the cycle of homelessness. Social Bite’s solution is to bring  vacant land back into use by creating community villages with prefabricated housing and a  community hub.

The charity also invests in providing tailored support to upskill residents and  provide them with opportunities that enable them to sustain their own secure tenancies.

The first Social Bite Village was launched in Granton in 2018 and the charity has recently launched  a campaign, in partnership with PureGym and Sir Chris Hoy, to help build two more Social Bite  Villages, which are planned to be in Glasgow and London. PureGym will be supporting Social Bite’s  Break The Cycle fundraising campaign in three key ways:  

• Setting off from the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow, supporters will cycle a challenging  60-mile route with Sir Chris Hoy across Scotland’s central belt, crossing the finish line in  Edinburgh – near to the flagship Social Bite Village in Granton. PureGym has built a team of  riders from across all of its Scottish gyms and is encouraging anybody to sign up to join the  team with an exclusive discount code[1]

• Supporters can take part in 60-minute charity spin classes every Thursday throughout  August in PureGym’s Scottish clubs[2]

• PureGym will be hosting a continuous 24 hour ‘spinathon’ on Wednesday 25 August,  involving gym staff in three of PureGym’s Scottish clubs[3]

For anyone not in Scotland, supporters can join the official Break the Cycle virtual challenge or do a  virtual challenge of their choice. Whether it’s being sponsored for 60 miles or 60 minutes of exercise it doesn’t matter – all of the money raised will contribute to Social Bite’s efforts to break the cycle of  homelessness.  

Sir Chris Hoy, PureGym Ambassador and Scotland’s 6x Olympic champion, said:  “The pandemic has exacerbated the already severe problem of homelessness across the UK, whilst  also demonstrating the importance of exercise in protecting the nation’s physical and mental  wellbeing.

“I can’t think of a better charitable campaign to support than Social Bite’s Break the Cycle campaign, which will raise funds to help rebuild people’s lives, whilst also improving the health and  fitness of the nation. We are looking for people across the UK to join in the fight, whether you’re  cycling 60 miles or doing 60 minutes of exercise at home you can help us to break the cycle of  homelessness.” 

Josh Littlejohn MBE, Social Bite co-Founder, said: “We are really excited to be teaming up with  PureGym. The amazing support of their clubs, colleagues and members will help make two new  Social Bite Villages a reality.  

“Since opening the first Village in Edinburgh, 39 people have been helped with a home and support  through the project.  

“The money we raise from our Break the Cycle fundraising campaign will enable us to develop  communities that will have a transformative impact on people’s lives in two more cities. 

We’re so grateful to everyone taking on a challenge – every effort you make and every penny you  raise will be helping someone break the cycle of homelessness. Thank you.”

Social Bite launches Break the Cycle campaign

  • Social Bite announce plans to build two new Villages, with target sites in Glasgow and London
  • Olympic hero backing “Break the Cycle” campaign to raise £1m to help fund two new villages, Sir Chris will cycle 60-mile route from Glasgow to Edinburgh with 1,000 fellow riders to raise money for the cause
  • Edinburgh Village project has helped 39 people since July 2018 with 79% saying the village has helped improve their wellbeing

Social Bite, with the support of Sir Chris Hoy, has today announced its latest fundraising campaign Break the Cycle – a 60 mile charity bike ride which aims to raise £1m to help build Social Bite Villages in two new UK cities, with target locations in Glasgow and London.

The Break the Cycle event will take place on Sunday 5th September, with Sir Chris joining 1,000 fellow cyclists as they set off from the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow and pedal the 60 miles through to the finish line in Edinburgh, near the flagship Social Bite village in Granton.

Each participant will be asked to raise £1,000 in order to take part and ride alongside the six-time Olympic Champion, contributing to the overall fundraising target. All entrants will also have access to some incredible prizes, from naming a house at one of the villages to winning a signed medal from Sir Chris Hoy himself.

As well as the physical event in September, the fundraising campaign is open to all levels of fitness and ability, with people across the UK invited to take part in their own virtual challenges from March to September to raise money and help Social Bite break the cycle of homelessness.

Friends, families, workplace teams and schools are all encouraged to pick a challenge and get sponsored for doing it. Whether it’s a 60-mile challenge or 60 minutes of exercise, the virtual challenge can be designed to fit what suits people best.

Money raised both on event day and in the lead up through virtual challenges will go towards creating the two highly supported communities with the pro bono help of engineering firm Arup.

The communities will offer a supportive community environment and opportunities to help people affected by homelessness build an independent life.

The goal of the Social Bite Villages is to provide a different blueprint for how we, as a society, respond to homelessness and temporary accommodation – one which puts support and the individual at the centre of the approach. 

The village concept is supported by Dame Louise Casey, the former Westminster homelessness tsar who led the work with helping 33,000 people into emergency housing during the pandemic.

Since launching in May 2018, the Social Bite Village in partnership with Cyrenians has provided accommodation and support to 39 residents, helping them find their feet and permanent homes. 82% of people who have lived at the Village are either still happily housed there or have moved onto a positive destination.

10% of funds raised from the event will also be donated to SAMH, the Scottish Association for Mental Health and further funds will be invested in Social Bite’s mission to Break the Cycle of homelessness by providing food, employment opportunities, and housing projects.

Josh Littlejohn MBE, CEO and Co-Founder of Social Bite, said: “It’s an honour for us to have one of the country’s biggest sporting heroes support us in our effort to build two new villages for people in a situation of homelessness.

“Sir Chris has been an advocate of the work we do for some time and when we came up with the Break the Cycle concept, we knew there was only one person we wanted to partner with.

“We’re incredibly passionate about our plans for the Social Bite villages. Since opening the first one in Edinburgh, 39 people have been helped with a home and support through the project. Now that we have seen that the model is working, our ambition is to build more in cities across the country and I’m thrilled to announce that this is our intention in London and Glasgow.

“The money we manage to raise from our Break the Cycle fundraising campaign will allow these plans to become a reality and enable us to develop communities that will have a transformative impact on people’s lives. We’re very grateful to all our supporters, including M&G plc who have already signed up as a major partner.”

Sir Chris Hoy said: “I have supported Social Bite by sleeping under the stars each year at their mass participation sleepout events for the last four years.  I have seen the impact of the funds raised and I am passionate about supporting the bold approach to breaking the cycle of homelessness.

“I know times have been incredibly tough of late but I’d encourage everyone to get involved and help raise the funds needed for this extraordinary project and take on their own challenges over the coming weeks and months. I look forward to see those taking part at the starting line …”

Steven McKechnie, Director at Arup, said: “Our society can be a challenging place for those who don’t fit neatly into its expectations and norms.  Social Bite’s ‘villages’ provide a route into society for some of those people. 

“They provide support and shelter and enable the growth of self-worth. They help people to learn how to start growing their roots.  They are more than just a room for the night.  They are beautiful and homely.  They have a sense of place and delight that feeds the soul. 

“We, in Arup, are tremendously proud to have been asked to help with this magnificent project.  We will be contributing ideas and design thinking and will be connecting with our contacts in local authorities, development firms and public bodies to help to select suitable sites. We hope our contribution will be helpful.”

Jim McBride, Head of Homelessness at Glasgow Council, said: “Glasgow HSCP would welcome early discussions with Social Bite to determine how this innovative approach could contribute to the work the city is undertaking to address homelessness and supporting people who present with complex needs.”

To find our more or donate, please visit: breakthecycle.co.uk