City garages step up for bike veterans
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Two Inverness garages leapt into action to help a group of forces veterans cycling the North Coast 500.
The group, who are cycling for the Help for Heroes charity, had completed the first leg of their journey, from Wick to Inverness, when the trailer carrying all their equipment broke.
However, Thrifty car hire managed to source a replacement, while Ross Garage Services arranged for the damaged trailer to be transported back to Catterick in Yorkshire.
Help for Heroes’ physical development coach Mark Airey, who is leading the ride, said: "We have had amazing Highland hospitality along the route – and we owe huge thanks to Thrifty and Ross Garage for saving the day.
"Help for Heroes offers comprehensive support to people who have suffered life-changing injuries and illnesses while serving our country. Getting involved in sport helps wounded, injured and sick veterans boost their self-confidence and feel psychologically empowered.
"These significant mental health benefits can be translated outside of sport and into everyday life which is why challenges such as this are so important."
Among the ten-strong team taking on the challenge is Tara Robertson (44), who was injured in the Thiepval Barracks bombing in 1996 and whose family hail from Inverness.
She took up cycling when she was no longer able to drive due to her injuries and has competed in the Invictus Games, completed a half-Ironman and cycled from Land’s End to John O’Groats.
"Sport is really important to me," she said.
"I really consider it to be therapy. If I’m not feeling too great, I can go for a ride, do a session on the turbo trainer or even just do my weight training session at home I know that it will make me feel a little bit better."
Having completed their 516-mile route, the group are due to arrive back in Wick today, where they will be greeted by dignitaries from the Royal British Legion.
