Press Release

12^th July 2005

Three on a Bike for Three charities stop in the Highlands

An intrepid trio,sponsored by Spoff, Andy Egerton, 38, from Neston, Wirral, Richard Newton, 40, and the lady of the team, Nik Olliver, 39, both based in Kirkcaldy, Fife set out from John O’Groats on Sunday 10^th July and hope to complete the 1000-mile trip to Land’s End in 13 days, on a bicycle made for three and in the process raise at least £3,000 for three charities. The team is not taking the most direct route south in order to avoid cycling on the busiest roads.

On Monday they stopped for sustenance at The Storehouse, Foulis Ferry where they were met by many enthusiastic supporters including Margaret Mackenzie of sponsors Spoff (Scotland) Ltd from Invergordon, and Fiona Hawthorne fundraiser for MacMillan Cancer Relief for the Highlands and Islands, and based in Dingwall, one of the charities set to benefit from the challenge. There will be/was information available on the other beneficiaries Russ Appeal and the National Society for Phenylketonuria, and of course the sponsors.

They will spend spent the night at Brin Herb Nursery, near Farr where they were met by more enthusiastic supporters including Margaret Mackenzie, again in her role of co-owner of the Herb Nursery. “When Spoff was approached to sponsor the team we thought it was a great idea! It is so different, and so worthwhile!“ Said Margaret. “I had not heard of Phenylketonuria, and still know comparatively little about the disease. However I understand that sufferers require a controlled low protein diet, and I was delighted that one of our Snackpacks was considered to be appropriate to be used in the diet of patients with the disorder.” The three charities that the team are raising funds for are National Society for Phenylketonuria Macmillan Cancer Relief and Russ Appeal, and information on all three charities were available for the well-wishers who turned out early to on Tuesday morning to see them on their way and one solo cyclist also cycled with them for 20 miles or so.

On Tuesday morning they passed through Aviemore where they ere given sustenance to see them over Drumochter Pass by The Pulse at the Riverdale Centre.

“MacMillan Cancer relief are delighted to be included” said Fiona Hawthorne “One in 3 people in the UK will receive a cancer diagnosis at some stage of their life. Macmillan Cancer Relief provides the expert care and emotional support that makes a real difference to people living with cancer. We offer a range of innovative cancer services and are at the heart of improving cancer care throughout the UK, and as a result all contributions are gratefully received”.“We have had a wonderful reception in the Highlands”, said Nik, the lady of the team, before returning to her post at the back of the triplet bike after the break in Aviemore “between the support we have received, the excellent hospitality and the scenery we are now looking forward to our drop down into Perthshire!”