AN Aberdeen cycling club has raised more £2,000 for a local charity by organising a “first-of-its-kind” virtual race.
The Spring Bunny Time Trial, organised by Deeside Thistle Cycling Club (DTCC), virtual event was a huge success with the cash being donated to Aberdeen Cyrenians.
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Andrew Harrington, DTCC chairman, said: “I am very proud of club members for doing something for the local community in these difficult times.”
The race was a 10.7 mile classic flat course located in a virtual desert landscape.
Local amateur racers whom were originally registered to the Spring Bunny Time Trial were ranked as Championship riders, and competed against other athletes worldwide of mixed abilities – riders from as far as the USA participated in the race.
Simon Stromberg, speaking on behalf of the organising team at DTCC said: “We are only starting to realise how new systems can help adapt to new situations and bring communities together. It was great to be able to raise money while bringing joy to households at the same time”.
A JustGiving page for Aberdeen Cyrenians was open with a target raise of £500 – fundraising went above expectations as £2,365 was eventually raised.
Bryony Shepherd, Aberdeen Cyrenians community and events fundraiser, said: “We’re delighted to have received this generous donation from Deeside Thistle Cycling Club, which will allow us to offer help and support to some of the most vulnerable people in our community at this crucial point in the COVID-19 exit.
“As lockdown is gradually reduced, we are anticipating a rise in the number of people who will turn to us in crisis – whether this be due to food poverty, unstable income, mental health challenges or abuse and violence.
”We cannot thank DTCC enough for organising such an engaging fundraiser, spurring on their community and choosing to support us at this difficult time”.
