Over 250 riders across the country have raise £65,000 for CHAS

Cyclists took to the saddle in their droves to raise an astounding £65,000 for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) last month.

The Cycle 250 challenge encouraged cyclists of all abilities to ride 250km throughout May. Among them were many parents who have had cause to seek help from the charity over the years, including Earlston father Keith Briggs (pictured above).

Senior community and challenge events fundraiser Fiona Leslie said: “We are thrilled by the success of the Cycle 250 Challenge and the level of participation we saw across social media and in the real world.

“The funds and awareness raised by every rider will help CHAS on its mission to reach every single baby, child and young person who needs them, despite the current situation.”

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, CHAS has dramatically transformed its increasingly important services by setting up Scotland’s first ever virtual hospice to support children and families who are having to completely self-isolate.

The virtual hospice has now been running for a full year, offering families extensive support, whether it relates to clinical guidance, financial advice or bereavement support, by video and phone. CHAS family support teams are also offering an expanding range of interactive activities, art clubs, storytelling and conference calls to children and parents, with more in the pipeline.

Although stringent measures are in currently place to safeguard families, those needing urgent physical and end of life care are still welcome at the hospice, where staff work tirelessly to provide children with the palliative assistance they need.

You can donate to CHAS online.