Dumfries stop planned by charity cyclist

FUNDRAISING cyclist Neil Beattie, above, will be passing through the region during his immense cycling challenge for the Samaritans charity. Neil’s fundraising challenge will take him from Shetland to Selkirk and back again, through some of Scotland’s toughest terrains on a two-week journey. Throughout the 1200-mile cycle, Neil will accumulate a climb of more than 30,000 feet, higher than the world’s tallest mountain. This particular challenge holds a significant place in Neil’s heart. Speaking about Samaritans as his chosen charity, he said: “My mum was previously the regional director at Samaritans Scotland, and dedicated numerous years as a volunteer to the charity and their mission to see fewer deaths by suicide in Scotland. “Sixteen years after first planning this ride, I set off on the 23rd July to raise funds for this wonderful charity and the volunteers that offer people someone to turn to when they feel they have no one. “Any donation, big or small will help someone with suicidal thoughts get help when they need it most.” Neil departed from Shetland’s Samaritans in Lerwick on Wednesday, cycling to the ferry port where he set sail for the mainland to continue his journey down through the country to the Borders, stopping in at Samaritans branches in Aberdeen, Dundee, Perth, Kirkcaldy, Dunfermline, Falkirk, Edinburgh, Selkirk, Dumfries, Hamilton, Glasgow, Kilmarnock, Greenock, Stornoway, Elgin, Inverness, Thurso and Orkney. n To donate, visit: samaritanscommunity.enthuse.com/pf/neil-beattie.