Staff at Dundee’s Morgan Academy are pressing on with a bid to pedal almost 2,500 miles this month in a fundraiser for MND Scotland fundraiser.
The idea for the motor neurone disease charity was sparked by keen cyclists Claire Farningham and Vikki Black through personal connections to the cause.
After they decided to take on the feat of cycling 300 miles each for MND Scotland during September, Morgan Academy colleagues decided to join in by pledging to cycle or walk between 150 and 300 miles.
Claire said: “The reason we have chosen to support MND Scotland is because Victoria’s mum was diagnosed with this awful disease.
“I also have another friend whose dad was diagnosed with MND and sadly passed away, so I feel really passionate about raising as much as I can and I believe there needs to be more awareness.”
She said the project had brought the colleagues closer together.
“Many of us felt that one of the costs of lockdown was to our waistlines and our mental health and wellbeing so we were looking for a way to improve both and a worthy cause to support,” Claire added:
“We had originally hoped to raise £1,000 but have already doubled that, which is amazing.”
Vikki said, “Since my mum was diagnosed with MND my family have been raising money for MND Scotland.
“The support that mum and the rest of the family has received has been outstanding but the idea that one day those with MND can be cured is the real motivator for me.”
The team of teachers and office staff are already well on their way to their target having completed around 1,200 miles so far.
MND Scotland head of fundraising, Iain McWhirter said “I’d like to thank the whole team at Morgan Academy for taking on this incredible challenge.
Every step they take and mile they cycle is taking us closer to a cure for MND, and helping fund the vital services which make living with MND a little easier for families in Scotland.”
Donations to Team Morgan can be made at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/claire-farningham1
