Scottish Spinners cycle North Coast 500 for Oakhaven
Four courageous friends have cycled the North Coast 500, unsupported over 5 days. All novice cyclists, the ‘Scottish Spinners’ covered 830km and over 10,000 metres of mountains around the Scottish Highlands, all supporting Oakhaven Hospice.
The North Coast 500 is a 516-mile route around the north coast of the Scottish Highlands, starting and ending at Inverness Castle. Regarded as a challenge for endurance cyclists, the route runs through the counties of Inverness-shire, Ross and Cromarty, Sutherland and Caithness, also taking in many areas of the North Highland Way.
The Scottish Spinners - Charlie Ryde, Ben Kirby, Aaron Kew and Jordan Mann - didn’t even own bikes before taking on the gruelling NC500! With no real cycling experience, let alone endurance practice, the fab four set off on their epic journey on 12th June 2023.
Day 2 proved to be the most challenging. Charle’s bike cog broke which meant he had to continue with just the highest gears up the hilliest part of the course over the remaining days, this additional challenge he managed without any pushing!
Meanwhile, an exploding pump whilst fixing a puncture meant that Aran and Ben had to cycle 3 miles back the wrong way to fix a tyre. That night the duo didn’t finish their ride until 1 am, with just a jar of peanut butter to keep them going over the last 20 miles of the day!
The Scottish Spinners completed their challenge on 16th June. All the pedalling was well worth the effort: the team has raised a phenomenal £9,885.00 for Oakhaven Hospice.
Jill West, Community Fundraising Manager at Oakhaven Hospice, said, “We would like to thank Charlie, Ben, Aaron and Jordan for taking on this impressive challenge in support of Oakhaven - and everyone who donated and supported them, keeping them going during their epic journey.
“All the funds raised will make a real difference to people facing life-limiting illnesses. Your generosity and kindness have helped Oakhaven Hospice to continue providing vital care and specialist support to patients and their families.”
Oakhaven wouldn’t be here without the generosity of the New Forest, Totton and Waterside communities. Every year we need to raise £8 million to enable us to provide expert end-of-life care and support to patients and their loved ones in our community. By taking part in our fundraising events, raising money in the community, playing in our Oakhaven lottery or donating and buying in our shops, you make a real difference to people living with a diagnosis, facing death or coming to terms with a bereavement.
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