Friends finish 3,000 mile cycle from Athens

Tuesday, 12 July 2011

Two Edinburgh friends who have been cycling over 3,000 miles from Athens will today (Tuesday, 12 July 2011) reach the finish line at Calton Hill after seven weeks on the road. Stuart Doyle and Chris Strother started their 'Parthenon 2 Parthenon' cycle on 20 May, setting off from the Parthenon in Athens for the National Monument in Edinburgh - well known for being Scotland's answer to the ancient Greek temple.

After months of gruelling training and fundraising, the pair have cycled across Greece, Albania, Serbia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia, Italy, Belgium and Holland, from where they will catch the ferry to Newcastle to complete the final stretch up to the top of Calton Hill.

Stuart and Chris have been fundraising for St Columba's Hospice, where Stuart's Grandma was cared for in 2006, and have raised over £3,300 so far.

Along the way the friends have had to cycle up mountains and along dangerous roads, and contend with the stifling Mediterranean heat, flat tyres and language barriers. They have averaged 70 miles per day.

Stuart Doyle said:
"The enormity of what we have achieved and how far we have cycled hasn't sunk in yet, but to do this challenge and raise money and hopefully the profile of St Columba's Hospice and the great work they do has been my pleasure and something I will continue to do."

"The support of my friends and family has been outstanding, especially from my wife, Ella Doyle, who has been very patient and understanding throughout the whole experience and I can't thank her enough for her love and support. We have also been hugely supported by Ben McNeill who set up and run our website as well as filming and managing all the content on the site. We would like to say a massive thanks to the team at St Columba's who have given us a huge amount of support and encouragement over the last year as we prepared for this challenge we really appreciate everything they have done for us. And finally without the awesome support of Neil MacMartin and Colin Mcfadyen from Freeflow Bikes in Glasgow this trip would not be possible."

Chris Strother said:
"What seemed like a silly idea in the pub from Stuart over a year ago has now become a massive achievement for both of us. However it's not been without the support of some very important people. We can't thank Freeflow bikes enough for their help with all our gear and equipment and also Ben McNeill who gave up a lot of his time to film our videos. Although the cycle was gruelling at times and very tiring, I never doubted we would reach our goal. I feel immensely proud of what we've done and the money we raised for St Columba's Hospice. Thanks to everyone who donated and who gave their support throughout the trip."

Lesley Christie, Director of Fundraising for St Columba's Hospice said:
"The commitment that Stuart and Chris have shown to St Columba's Hospice and their challenge has been incredible and we are truly honoured to have them supporting us. Cycling 3,000 miles is an incredible achievement and we are all immensely proud of their undertaking. We can't thank them enough for choosing to help St Columba's Hospice in this way."

To find out more about the Parthenon 2 Parthenon cycle please visit www.parthenon2parthenon.co.uk, or follow them on Twitter @P2P2011 and Facebook http://www.facebook.com/parthenon2parthenon.

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