A group of nine employees from ASCO have raised thousands of pounds for charity by cycling from the company’s base in Great Yarmouth to its headquarters in Dyce, Aberdeen. Relay-cycling 200 miles each over the course of two days, the ASCO colleagues were raising cash for Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) and the Friends of Anchor charity based at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
Having left Great Yarmouth on Thursday afternoon, the team pedalled a cumulative 668 miles to cross the finish line at ASCO Family Fun Day in Dyce on Saturday, some 49 hours and 47 minutes later.
Cyclist and Contract Manager at ASCO Stephen Mundie, 51, said: “We had a lot of ups and downs, some of the guys got hit by torrential rains coming up the coast late on Thursday, and we had some really tough hills. We’re absolutely delighted to have raised so much money for both of these causes, and we’re so grateful to everyone who supported us and donated.”
The team have raised £4,500 so far and hope to reach their £5,000 target with further donations. Funds will be split equally between the two charities. With one helicopter based in Perthshire, the SCAA will put the money towards the purchase of a second helicopter – and the ASCO team hopes it will be located in Aberdeen. Local politicians have argued the case to bring the life-saving machine to the region, with significant support from the media, as well as those who have benefitted from the service.