'Bridge to Bridge 2022' charity cycle from Skye Bridge to Kessock Bridge hits £10k funding mark with more riders sought; the fundraiser by Kevin and Heather Bannerman for Dream Believe Achieve, which helps children with additional needs, is set to become an annual event after huge show of support from sponsors
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A cycle event raising cash to transform the lives of children with additional needs has smashed through the £10,000 mark.
Couple Heather and Kevin Bannerman, from Culbokie on the Black Isle, decided to celebrate their 50th birthdays with a show of gratitude to the charity Dream, Believe, Achieve Highland.
They devised a Bridge to Bridge fundraiser – from the Skye Bridge to the Kessock Bridge – which takes place on September 24.
The charity provided life-changing assistance to their son Liam (14) by funding therapies not available on the NHS.
Courageous Liam has defied early life predictions that he would never be able to walk, talk, sit or write, working hard to achieve all of those and more.
What began as a modest fundraising notion gathered great momentum with 77 riders so far enlisted for the 77-mile challenge.
Among them are Ross County chief executive Stevie Ferguson, youth coach Gordon Duff and County legend Johnston Bellshaw.
The organisers are still looking for more to join, with a target of 100 participants still within reach.
“The response has been just magnificent,” Mr Bannerman said.
“Initially Heather was going to have a charity ball for Dream, Believe, Achieve, but her cousin suggested the charity cycle, maybe just a handful of us.
“I spoke to our neighbour Willie Gray, of Ark Estates, who loves his cycling and he felt we could get a good few more on board.
“He suggested trying to get 100 folk and I’m not sure if that was a joke or not, but we’re nearly there. Even if we get to 80, it will be unbelievable.
“I’m taking part and Heather foolishly said if we reached £10,000 she would do it next year. We’ve just gone through that sum, which is amazing and we can't thank all of our sponsors enough.”
Those taking part will drop their bikes off on the eve of the event to have them transported to the iconic Skye Bridge.
Two buses have been donated by Stagecoach to take the riders to the starting point at the Kings Arms Hotel, Kyleakin for tea and scones at 8:15 am
The riders will then set off in organised groups thereafter, with refreshment and toilet stops at Strathcarron, Achnasheen and Garve, before finishing under the Kessock Bridge.
Ross County’s Steve Ferguson was recruited after starring in a video with Liam and seven year old Jack Stewart, who also benefits from the intensive therapies.
“Liam was told he would never walk, write, talk, sit, and he’s achieved all these things. Dream Believe Achieve have funded places for children like our son and many others.”
“We are still looking for people to join us for our challenge – it started small but it’s grown arms and legs!”
The short film shows the boys playing football, something that their parents could only dream of before they gained access to strenuous exercises specially-tailored to strengthen, develop and encourage mobility and physical wellbeing.
Award-winning Scottish band Skerryvore also lent their support with their song Take My Hand serving as soundtrack to the video.
“Jack was 10 weeks premature and born with cerebral palsy,” Mrs Stewart said.
“He now has so much confidence and belief, along with active progressive goals that have made a huge difference.
“To see him be able to join in with his sister jumping on the trampoline instead of sitting on the sidelines is just brilliant. What a different life he has ahead of him now.
“We wouldn’t be able to fund the therapies if it wasn’t for help from Dream, Believe, Achieve Highland.”
County’s Steve Ferguson was blown away by the courage he saw in the youngsters.
“To hear some of the stories, it’s a charity that really makes a difference, so it’s really important that we put some weight behind it and support it in any way we can.”
Dream, Believe, Achieve was started by Inverness parents Steph and Kris Douglas whose own son Sam requires therapies for additional support needs not available on the NHS.
With family and friends raising funds for Sam, the couple decided they wanted to help others access the same support.
So far more than 100 blocks of therapy have been paid for by the charity.
Bridge to Bridge challenge info can be found here.
The video link is here
More info on Dream Believe Achieve Highland is found here
