ARCHIE to make tracks on epic cycle with world-record holder Mark Beaumont

The ARCHIE Foundation is undertaking a 265 mile expedition with Mark Beaumont from Tayside to the Highlands, and back down to Grampian; and is calling on cyclists across Scotland to join them.

There are just 30 places available for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ride side-by-side with the man known for cycling around the world in just shy of 80 days.

The upcoming ARCHIE’S Big Bike Ride, set to take place in April, won’t last quite as long as that.

We plan to complete the 265 mile journey in just two days.

Since being founded in 2000 in Grampian, The ARCHIE Foundation has since expanded and has bases in both the Highlands and Tayside.

Our success is largely thanks to the incredible support shown by local people and businesses. All money raised for The ARCHIE Foundation goes to the nearest children’s hospital and is used to fund a range of things such as capital build projects, advanced medical equipment and training, specialist staff posts, invaluable family accommodation and of course – lots of books and toys!

Starting the journey at Tayside Children’s Hospital is fitting; as it is the newest of our three bases. From Tayside, cyclists will venture north to visit the Highland Children’s Unit in Inverness.

The next day, the 30 participants will complete the last leg of the journey, finishing at ARCHIE’s headquarters, and the place where it all began: the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital.

Athlete, Broadcaster, Keynote Speaker and ARCHIE Patron, Mark Beaumont, is known for breaking the world-record when he cycled around the world in just 78 days, 14 hours and 40 minutes in 2017.

Those within the cycling community may also know Mark for his work with charities, schools and aspiring athletes.

He is a huge supporter of ARCHIE and urges avid cyclists to get behind this fantastic campaign.

He said: “ARCHIE supports children’s hospitals in Tayside, Grampian and Highlands; and one way in which they do this is by providing Emergency Funding to families that have a child receiving hospital care. Be that for travel, accommodation, or just a cup of tea and a chat for some support in a much needed time, this funding is invaluable.

“I am very proud to be an ARCHIE Patron and have supported them for a number of years. This year, I thought I’d get on my bike and encourage others to do the same.”

The money raised will be used specifically to support families, by providing emergency grants to families while their children are treated.

Through ARCHIE’s small grants scheme, families can apply for money to help with things like travel, food and accommodation costs while their children are receiving treatment.

If you’d like to register your interest in taking part, or would like more information, send an email to claire@archiefoundation.org.uk.