Staff in a Blantyre office got on their bikes to raise almost £6,000 for British Heart Foundation (BHF) Scotland.
The team from building services company C&S Group set themselves the challenge of cycling 150 miles in memory of Charlie Boyle, one of the company’s founders who died suddenly from heart disease in 2017 aged just 59.
As well as raising funds in Charlie’s memory to help fund BHF Scotland’s life saving research, the company also wanted to promote health and wellbeing among staff, so set up two socially-distanced spin bikes in the office.
The team challenge was successfully completed on World Heart Day at the end of September, with 153.6 miles covered, raising a total of almost £6,000.
C&S Group’s Kevin Boyle, Charlie’s son, said: “The day ran very well, and the C&S team really enjoyed it. I know things are definitely not the same at the minute, so it was fantastic to be able to bring the team together in a new way. With social distancing, some staff working from home, and others spread out across the office, we were able to make sure everyone could take part safely. I am over the moon that we’ve raised so much for BHF Scotland in my dad’s memory.”
The company’s fundraising efforts come at a time when the heart charity says it needs the public’s support more than ever. The coronavirus crisis has had a devastating impact on the BHF’s income, leading to a potential £50 million cut in research funding and the delay of important scientific breakthroughs.
Lyndsay Anderson, BHF Scotland Fundraising Manager for South West of Scotland, said: “During this extremely difficult time, the support of our fabulous fundraisers means a great deal, as we face the hardest period that the BHF has had in its 60-year history. We are so grateful to C&S Group for supporting BHF Scotland, and for extending our charity of the year partnership into 2021. I look forward to working with the team on their fantastic fundraising plans.”
For more about the work of the BHF and how you can help support it, visit www.bhf.org.uk/starts-with-your-heart
