Grateful nephew in charity cycle for West Lothian dementia home

A 35-year-old man has raised £2,000 for a West Lothian residential home as a sign of gratitude for the care it provides to his aunt, who has dementia, by cycling 220 miles.

John Halliday, from Aberdeen, completed the challenge in aid of St Andrews Court, part of Bield, to thank them for the “fantastic service” given to Yvonne Condie.

Mr Halliday, who rode with friends Jamie Fretwell, Stephen Birnie and Steph Letford, said: “The run a fantastic service and I am so impressed by the specialised care Aunty Yvonne gets. I’ll definitely get involved with more fundraising for them in the future.

“The donated money supports activities for the care users, materials and training for them in the future. My aunt takes part in regular activities and trips and is engaged in this community. It brings a new sense of life back to her.”

Speaking about the charity ride, he continued: “We pretty much do a cycle of similar distance every year and have done for the last eight years.

“To get ready for the cycle, I just get out on the bike and put in as many miles as I can, but no matter how often I do it or how much I train it’s still a challenge. This year’s route was particularly hard-going with the hills and the traffic on the roads.

“It helped having support with my friends and family along the way, as well as from the people we met in the B&Bs and restaurants – they donated to the charity and welcomed us.”

Kevin Rowe, fundraiser at Bield, thanked Mr Halliday for his support. He said: “This is a brilliant effort from John and the money raised will make a huge difference to the lives of the older people we look after at St Andrews Court.

“Individual donations including sponsored events like these allow us to provide life-enhancing services and opportunities such as outings and social activities so those in our care can continue to live life to the full.”

Brian Logan, Bield’s chief executive, echoed Mr Rowe’s comments and said: “Recognising the role of fundraisers is very important as they play a crucial role within Bield.

“We hope that more people will get involved with fundraising as it is of utmost importance to Bield and its residents.”

The money raised by Mr Halliday will be used to provide outings and social activities for the residents, as well as new garden furniture and plants so they can enjoy the summer.