Pedal power: Call for cyclists to raise funds for charity

A charity that helps to support deaf and blind people is looking for fundraisers to take part in sponsored cycling events.

North East Sensory Services (NESS) has five charity spaces for this year’s Ride the North 2021 and is “delighted” to once again be working with Chapelton Bike Ride, which has supported the charity since 2016.

NESS, which help those with sensory loss to life full and active lives, is calling on fundraisers to gear up and raise vital funds for the charity’s life-changing services.

Lynn Batham, community fundraising coordinator, said: “We are very excited to be participating again in such fantastic, fun and popular events.

“Donations raised from fundraising events like these help make a huge difference to the lives of thousands of blind and deaf people across the north east of Scotland.”

Ride the North is offering up two challenge events this year.

The one-day event is due to take place on Saturday, August 28 and will begin and finish in Rhynie, Huntly, and riders can choose to cycle the 180k, 140k or 100k route.

Alternatively, cyclists can choose to take on RtN153 challenge – a network of suggested cycling routes around Aberdeenshire and Moray.

The annual Chapelton Bike Ride will also return this year and will go ahead on Sunday, September 5.

As per previous years, there will be two cycle routes to choose from – 12 miles or 42 miles. Registration opens on June 27.

Ms Batham added: “We want to make sure anyone in the north east with a sensory impairment is given all the support they need to live as independently as possible and participate normally in society.

“Our supporters taking part in fundraising events like these enables us to do exactly that.”

For more information and how to take part, email Ms Batham at lynn.batham@nesensoryservices.org.