The ‘M74 Bike n’ Hike

Apr 25 2011 by Cameron Hay, Paisley Daily Express

BLIND and partially sighted Buddies will be boosted financially when fun-runners get a unique chance to run, walk or cycle on the newly-completed M74 motorway.

The Royal National Institute of the Blind Scotland (RNIB) is one of eight designated charities that will directly benefit from the £5 registration fees for the event.

The M74 Bike ‘n’ Hike event celebrates the completion of the new 8km stretch of road that will bridge the gap between the M74 at Fullarton Road and the M8 to the west of Kingston Bridge in Glasgow.

Organisers are hoping for huge crowds in excess of 20,000 for the event on Sunday, May 22, either for the 4km “out-and-back” jaunt to Polmadie Road, or for the full 14km length.

RNIB Scotland supports and provides services for the 180,000 Scots who are blind or partially sighted.

Every day, 10 more people begin to lose their vision.

Director John Legg said: “We help people to find their lives again – not just with Braille and talking books, but with information on eye-conditions and support and advice for independent living.

“By sponsoring someone taking part, you can help us reach everybody who needs our help – and remember, 87p of every pound we receive goes directly to helping blind and partially sighted children and adults, so you can be sure that your donation is going where it matters most.”

The other charities which will benefit from the M74 Bike’n’ Hike funds, include Spinal Injuries Scotland, The Lighthouse Club, Macmillan Cancer Support, British Heart Foundation Scotland, Yorkhill Childrens Foundation, Scottish Association for Mental Health and The Hospices of Scotland.

Online entry is available at the website www.glasgow.gov.uk/m74charityevent