In-Spired cycle for ChildLine
How many miles are there between Glasgow and Edinburgh? Just ask Craig Duguid, Reservations manager of The Spires Serviced Suites. Forty-seven and a half he will tell you, and he ’ ll be covering all of them by bike, along with four colleagues, on 27 th August.
The five-strong Spires team are taking part in Pedal for Scotland, a charity cycle between the two cities. The event, now in its eighth year, attracts around 3000 cyclists from around the country and has raised over £ 300,000 for various charities around Scotland since it started.
“It’ll be a challenge”, admitted Craig. “None of us have ever cycled more than small distances so we’ve been putting in some serious sessions at the gym just to try and get ourselves into shape.” Joining Craig on the team are Michelle Herd, Genna Rhodes, Ian Henderson and Gillian Pearce. They will be raising money for ChildLine.
“We approached our staff and asked which charity they would like the company to commit long term support and ChildLine got the most votes,” continues Craig. The company are in the process of setting up an agreement whereby money would be donated to ChildLine every time a guest feedback form is filled out. “We have a strong sense of social responsibility at The Spires, both within the company and amongst the employees”. The bike ride is an extra piece of fundraising designed to kick start the relationship between The Spires and ChildLine.
Zoey Faulkner, Senior Fundraiser with ChildLine Scotland said "Pedal for Scotland is just one of the ways that The Spires is raising money for ChildLine Scotland this year - I believe that none of the 5 'Peddlers' are experienced cyclists, which makes their efforts even more terrific! We're so proud of the team's efforts, and we'll certainly be cheering them on, on the day”
Zoey continues. “We are delighted that The Spires have agreed to make a donation to ChildLine Scotland, for every completed feedback questionnaire they receive. Their support means that ChildLine Scotland will be able to answer more calls from vulnerable children and young people who need our help and support. Every £3 donated means that ChildLine can answer another child's call.” ChildLine Scotland was launched in 1990 to meet the ever-growing and constant demand from children and young people. The Aberdeen branch opened in 2004.
What’s next for the inspiring fundraisers? “ I envisage that this event will be the first of many for The Spires! So...anyone fancy swimming the channel?” joked Craig. There was no comment from the other team members.
Notes for editors:
• Pedal for Scotland is Scotland's largest mass-participation cycle ride. Organised by Cycling Scotland, it takes place on Sunday 27 August, just two days before the Tour of Britain begins in Glasgow and covers 50 miles starting in Glasgow and finishing in Edinburgh.
• The route is suitable for most fitness levels and there are rest stops every 10 miles, and a host of festivities at the finish at Roseburn Park, Edinburgh, with food, music and bike displays.
• Leukaemia Research is the main charity for the event and former 10,000m world champion Liz McColgan has signed up for this year’s race, with the First Minister Jack McConnell confirmed to kick off the proceedings.
• The Spires first opened in Aberdeen in 1995 and opened a Glasgow site in 2003 offering serviced suites to business and leisure travellers. Serviced suites are an ideal alternative to traditional hotels. Birmingham will be added to its portfolio later this year and the company now employees 20 people.
• ChildLine was launched in 1986 and has counselled nearly 2 million children and young people since it started.
• ChildLine Scotland was established in 1990. ChildLine Scotland currently operates from Glasgow and, thanks to Scottish Executive funding, ChildLine Scotland North and North East opened in Aberdeen in May 2004.
• ChildLine has 11 counselling centres around the UK and every day more than 4,500 children call ChildLine. It costs on average £38 to counsel a child and ChildLine has over 1,380 volunteer counsellors. It costs £1,598 to recruit and train one volunteer counsellor.
For more information please contact Craig Duguid, Reservations Manager, The Spires, T: 0845 270 0090, E: info@thespires.co.uk
