West Linton turns the wheels for Kindred
In the summer we saw some unusual fundraising take place for Kindred: a 24 hour outdoor stationary bike ride right in the heart of West Linton!
The event involved a team of volunteers taking half-hour shifts over 24 hours to do a virtual Lands End to John O’Groats cycle of 874 miles or more, raising funds for both Kindred and the local community based Linton Hotspur Football Club. Between online and cash donations the cycle raised over £2250 which means more than £1125 has been given to Kindred to support our work with families.
The unusual fundraising feat was organised by West Linton locals Hazel and Simon Kinghorn, shown biking away above. Here, in their own words, is why they wanted to support Kindred’s work with families of children with complex needs:
Kindred Scotland have been helpful for our close family in supporting Joanne and David and their son Elliot, age 2. Elliot is a lovely boy who requires 24 hour care with daily medication and receives specialist care from neurologists, physiotherapists, dieticians, opticians and more and he has had many admissions to hospital in his short life. Elliot requires specialised equipment in the home to make life more comfortable for him and his family. Any funds raised will help families like Elliot’s to make life that bit easier.
Our huge thanks go to the Kinghorns for their organising, and to Jo, David and Elliot Husband (shown in the photo above) for thinking of other Kindred families. Clare Smith also deserves a nod for providing water and snacks to keep the cyclists well fuelled, as does Kevin McCallion at MacSigns.co.uk for helping to raise awareness by donating a big Kindred sign. Last but by no means least, we send our appreciation to each and every one of the amazing team of over 70 volunteers who turned those pedals, come rain or shine, night or day!
And there’s more! The latest news is that Hazel and Simon have another fundraiser for Kindred planned. This time involving the local West Linton Golf Club and a Texas Scramble in August 2023. We’ll let you know when you need to get those clubs out!
