YoungsRPS Director Commits to Sponsored Loch Cycle Ride in Aid of Local Charity

Tue 9 April 2019

This April, Graeme Bruce, Director of YoungsRPS, will be cycling a 214-mile route from Carlisle to Glasgow, in aid of the Slaley branch of the Riding for the Disabled Association.

A courageous group of 16 sponsored locals will take off on the 24th April to raise money for causes close to their hearts. The gruelling route will take the group through the hilly highs and lows of Scotland’s scenic landscapes, and around plenty of nature’s finest Lochs and Glens.

The Riding for the Disabled Association has long been important to Graeme and his wife, so they are hoping to make sure that the life-changing work continues. The Slaley branch is run by a team of 20 volunteers, and by fundraising, Graeme hopes to further enrich the lives of many potential benefactors in the local area. The cycling group is self-funded and will ensure that 100% of all donations of support will be received by the chosen charity.

The therapeutic value of horseback riding is both widely recognised and historically proven, promoting close contact with horses brings positive outcomes for the people that need it most, and time with direct engagement with ponies has created life-changing experiences. The horse-based therapy charity network has now benefited people with disabilities for 50 years, in a significant and noticeable way.

Riders gain so much from their experiences that it is hoped that by getting on a different stead, at least £2,500 can be raised by the sponsored group, and help keep the charity’s work going for so many that really rely on its unique approach. The high demand for their activities is proof of their impact, particularly for children or adults with learning difficulties or physical disabilities in the West Northumberland area.

Commented ahead of the ride, Graeme said: “Taking up this challenge really means committing to what the charity represents and hopefully being able to expand the work it does. Knowing people can really enhance their lives from direct contact with one of nature’s finest animals is really rewarding.”

“This definitely will be on my mind when the going gets tough. I think the hilly parts of the route will be the most tiring, but hopefully the landscape will be inspiring enough to push us forward. Luckily, we have costed for a support team to tag with us and make sure if anything does go wrong, we will be supported to keep on the road and carry on.”

To donate to Riding for the Disabled Association by sponsoring Graeme Bruce and the Loch Cycle Ride, you can do so by visiting the JustGiving page, at:

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/graeme-bruce-1?utm_term=78aYBjwGx

Photo:  Graeme Bruce (left) and Ian Davison (right)