In this blog post, we reflect on the success of our 2024 Sponsored Cycle of the Speyside Way for The Oxygen Works!
We are delighted to announce that our 2024 fundraising challenge was hugely successful! On Saturday 31st of August, our team of AES Solar staff, friends, and family embarked on a mission: to raise funds for The Oxygen Works by completing a sponsored cycle along the Speyside Way. And thanks to the incredible support of our community, we not only met our fundraising target—we surpassed it!
2024 Sponsored Cycle
Our cyclists, setting off from either Aviemore, Grantown-on-Spey or Aberlour, were all united by a common purpose. While the journey had its challenges, the team spirit, beautiful scenery, ideal weather (thank goodness!) and the knowledge that we were making a difference fuelled us every mile of the journey.
And so, the challenge begins…
Team One got things started in Aviemore at 8 AM on Saturday bright-eyed and bushy-tailed…okay and maybe a bit bleary-eyed too! The sun was yet to appear, but the forecast looked promising so off they set into the mist, making fantastic time along the way too. By the time they reached Grantown-on-Spey, where another cyclist joined the team, the mist had cleared, and the sun shone brightly on the banks of the River Spey. Our support team was on hand at every pit stop, with two AES Solar junior volunteers, ready with refreshments and assistance should it be required.
Going the Extra Mile (or 13!)
The final group of cyclists joined us in Aberlour for the last leg and we gathered for a photo to mark the occasion. Don’t be fooled by this leg being the shortest – it was also the hilliest and arguably the hardest. One particularly ambitious group even took an (accidental) detour up Ben Aigan, adding an extra 13 miles to their total distance – I guess you could say they were extra committed to the cause!
Detours aside, our cyclists who had naturally divided up into groups that suited each other’s pace and ability gradually made their way to the finish line at Spey Bay. Legs might have been a bit sore but nothing could wipe the smiles off their faces. The sense of achievement was palpable, and we couldn’t be prouder of everyone who took part.
Community Spirit and Gratitude
And it’s fair to say the team’s hard work has paid off! We are delighted to share that we exceeded our fundraising goal raising a total of £1689 for The Oxygen Works to date. This incredible achievement would not have been possible without the generosity of our supporters. The funds raised from this event will directly support their operations, helping to alleviate the financial pressures they face and ensuring they can continue to provide top-notch care to those who rely on their services.
Your donations will go a long way in helping The Oxygen Works provide vital oxygen therapy and personalised care to those in need across the Scottish Highlands, so thank you from the bottom of our hearts (and our weary legs!)
We want to extend a massive thank you to everyone who supported us on our 2024 Sponsored Cycle – from those who donated to the businesses that sponsored us, to the volunteers who helped on the day, and of course, our amazing cyclists. A special thanks goes out to Calum from our PR partner SPEY. Callum joined us on the cycle starting in Aviemore and was part of the first group to cross the finish line – a brilliant example of collaboration and community spirit. Everyone’s support has been overwhelming, and it is clear that together, we can achieve incredible things. The camaraderie and team spirit were palpable, and we couldn’t be prouder of everyone involved.
A Message from Our Charity Champion
“We are over the moon (or should that be sun!) with the success of our 2024 sponsored cycle for The Oxygen Works. Surpassing our fundraising goal when times are still hard for many speaks to the incredible generosity of our supporters and the dedication of our team. This challenge not only allowed us to contribute to a vital cause but also brought us closer as a team and as a community. Thank you to everyone who donated, cycled, and cheered us on—we couldn’t have done it without you! Here’s to many more successful fundraising events in the future!”
Charity Champion/Marketing Manager, Hannah Jakobsen
The Just Giving page for our 2024 Sponsored Cycle will stay live here for the next month for any additional donations.
