Childhood friends Mark Shannan and Stewart Duncan set off from the Garnock Valley on Monday, June 3, arriving at their destination on Thursday, June 13 after spending 10 and a half days on the road.
It means they’ve arrived at the Allianz Arena, following their 1,250km journey from North Ayrshire, in plenty of time to catch Scotland’s Euro 2024 opener against host nation Germany on Friday.
They completed the mammoth effort, which took them through a number of different European nations, on bikes they only bought in January.
But driving them on along the way was their ultimate goal – raising as much funds as possible for a cause close to their hearts.
The pair took on the cycle in memory of Mark’s big sister, Claire, who died 18 years ago, on October 16, 2006, after a brave fight against cancer.
Since then, Mark and his friends have completed a number of fund-raising challenges in her memory for the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, including the Great Scottish Run and the West Highland Way.
In 2023, Mark established the Claire Shannan Legacy Fund with Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, and has raised £7,500 in her name in just one year so far.
Fundraising is still open and those looking to make a donation can do so online at tinyurl.com/BeithToMunich.
Mark commented: “A massive thank you to everyone that has supported us along the way
“Please continue to donate as we look to pass our target of £10,000 for Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.
“To carry on Claire’s legacy is so important to us and the support we have had from everyone has blown us away.
“Big shoutout to the charity for their continued support of the foundation, and in particular Aileen McConnell, who helped set up the Claire Shannan Legacy Fund last year, after years of working closely together.
“Lastly, massive thanks to big Stewart, whose mad idea it was to cycle to Germany from Beith with our bags on our bikes. The support he’s shown the foundation and all other previous charity events we’ve carried out in memory of Claire is unbelievable.”
With the cycle now complete, thoughts – apart from those relating to Scotland’s fortunes in Germany, of course – are moving on to the next fund-raiser in memory of Claire, the ‘Claire Shannan Legacy Ball’, which is being held on October 12 at the Hilton Grosvenor Glasgow.
Limited tickets are still available and can be purchased by contacting Mark directly on markshannan10@gmail.com.
Mark is also seeking donations for a raffle and auction on the night and any interested businesses or people are also welcome to get in touch.
After the pair got off the saddle, the pair also have plans to “sink some steins” after arriving in Germany – before hopefully taking in a Scotland victory on Friday.
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