Friends to cycle from Greek monument to Capital replica for St Columba's Hospice

Monday, 9 August 2010

Two friends will complete the cycle trip of a lifetime next May, when they set out from the Parthenon in Athens bound for the National Monument in Edinburgh - well known for being Scotland's answer to the ancient Greek temple.

Chris Strother and Stuart Doyle will be completing their 'Parthenon 2 Parthenon' cycle to raise funds to help complete an essential rebuild of St Columba's Hospice. Stuart also has a personal connection with the charity, as his Grandma received care at St Columba's Hospice in 2006.

Stuart Doyle said:

"We are so excited about completing this trip, we have been friends for many years now and it's a real pleasure to be completing such an incredible trip together. Obviously it's going to be really tough, but it's a challenge we both look forward to and we want to fully embrace every second of it. It's going to be an adventure of a lifetime which will no doubt provide us with some amazing sights, memories, stories and an experience we will both never forget."

Chris Strother said:

"We didn't hesitate in selecting to raise money for St Columba's Hospice. Stuart has a personal connection with the place and I have taken part in a few fundraising events for them through my place of work. We both found the staff to be unbelievably committed, dedicated and passionate in what they do and we were incredibly inspired learning about the difference they make every single day. We are both thrilled to be raising as much money as possible for St Columba's."

Lesley Christie, Director of Fundraising for St Columba's Hospice said:

"We are thrilled that we have supporters out there who undertake these unique and exciting ways to raise money for our hospice. We can't thank Chris and Stuart enough for choosing to support our Buy a Brick Appeal in this way and we wish them the best of luck on their incredible journey."

The Rt. Hon. George Grubb, Lord Lieutenant and Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, said: "Cycling from the Greek capital to the 'Athens of the North' sounds like a tremendous challenge - I take my hat off to Stuart and Chris for coming up with the endeavour. St Columba's Hospice's Buy a Brick Appeal is a wonderful cause as well, so I hope they manage to raise lots of money to help rebuild the hospice. On behalf of the people of Edinburgh, I wish these intrepid cyclists the very best of luck."

David Hicks from Edinburgh World Heritage, which oversees Calton Hill's conservation said: "A route that links these two important monuments is a great idea, drawing attention to Edinburgh's reputation as the Athens of the North."

From Athens, the pair will cycle along the coastline of the Mediterranean north through Greece, Albania, Serbia, Bosnia, Croatia, Slovenia and Northern Italy. Their trail will continue to Rome, the South of France, Provence, Switzerland, Germany, Luxembourg and Belgium, from where they will catch the ferry to Scotland to complete the final stretch up to the top of Calton Hill.

Chris and Stuart predict it will take them 7-8 weeks to complete the 3,000 mile journey. To sponsor Chris and Stuart, supporters should visit their fundraising website at: www.parthenon2parthenon.co.nr

Ends

For more information please contact Isabelle Herlt, PR and Communications Manager, on 0131 551 1381 or iherlt@stcolumbashospice.org.uk

» Return to listing