East Lothian to Glasgow cycle raises £1k for SCIAF
He was joined on the final stretch by colleague Mari Everett, who lives in Paisley.
(Image: Supplied) Mari said: "I'm a passionate cyclist and ride to work in all weathers, all year.
"However, I've never done a cycle to work as far as Mark has.
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"It was a great pleasure to join the final leg of their journey from Kirkintilloch to SCIAF's offices in Glasgow."
The ride was organised to mark Cycle to Work Day and raised £1,000 for SCIAF's appeal supporting people with disabilities who find it more difficult to access services.
Mari said: "Fundraising and donations to charities at the moment are so important – the need is so high, so I'm delighted to hear that £1,000 was raised from generous sponsors.
(Image: Supplied) "But we need more support desperately, as the need around the world is so high."
Mark, 42, set off before dawn and still managed to make it in for his first meeting of the day.
He said: "The cycle was a ridiculous idea – and a huge challenge for me.
"The adrenaline was pumping at 3am, with the excitement of what was to come.
"But the reality really sunk in as the sun came up, and I realised how far we had to go.
"My eyes were as heavy as my legs."
His route took him through Edinburgh, Linlithgow, Falkirk, Kilsyth, and Kirkintilloch, through Bishopbriggs before reaching Glasgow.
He was joined for the final miles by colleagues, including SCIAF chief executive Lorraine Currie.
He said: "While I was cycling, I was thinking about the challenges families face in the communities SCIAF works.
"In places like Malawi and Ethiopia, women and girls spend hours every single day walking miles and miles just to collect water.
"In Gaza and Ukraine, where SCIAF are providing emergency relief, the challenges they face every day are incomprehensible.
"It really put things into perspective for me."
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