Five women from diverse sectors, including insurance, oil and gas, renewables, charity, and marketing, have come together to complete one of the UK’s most demanding cycling challenges.
The group, known as the Prosecco Pedallers, raised over £15,000 for various Scottish charities after cycling 1,000 miles from Land’s End to John o’Groats.
The team—comprising Shona Robertson, owner of H&R Insurance Services and a BIBA Board Member; Paula Cormack; Katie Butler; Claire Emslie; and Lesley MacLeod—undertook the 14-day journey, averaging 70 miles per day and climbing a total of 57,750 feet.
The idea for the challenge emerged following a previous ride from Aberdeen to Aviemore, completed by Robertson and Emslie. Over a glass of Prosecco, they decided to take on the longer Land’s End to John o’Groats route.
Their journey began on September 1, and on the first day in Cornwall, they were joined by Graham Bell, a former British Ski Team member and five-time Winter Olympian.
The cyclists raised funds for a range of charities, including The Archie Foundation, Maggie’s, Camphill School, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation, and Dementia Scotland. Their efforts have resulted in £15,074 in donations so far, with all funds going directly to the charities. The group financed their trip independently to ensure all proceeds would benefit the causes they supported.
Corporate sponsors, including H&R Insurance Services, TEXO, and Acturis Limited, provided the team’s cycling kit.
Reflecting on the challenge, Robertson described it as a remarkable experience, particularly because of the opportunity to raise funds for charity while disconnecting from work.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve had the opportunity to completely switch off from work—14 days straight of cycling, eating, laughing, washing and sleeping, it was epic. I’m already excited for my next challenge,” she said.
Each cyclist supported a charity with personal significance. Robertson raised money for Camphill School Aberdeen, which provides care and education for individuals with disabilities. Cormack raised funds for The Archie Foundation, which supports children’s healthcare in the north-east of Scotland.
Butler, a cancer survivor, raised funds for Maggie’s, which had provided support during her treatment for ocular melanoma. Cycling played a vital role in her recovery, helping her regain both physical and mental strength. Celebrating her 50th birthday during the ride, she expressed hope that their efforts would inspire others to take on their own challenges, regardless of age or ability.
MacLeod dedicated her efforts to Dementia Scotland following a family member’s diagnosis, while Emslie, who led the group, aimed to inspire her daughters and others to show that obstacles can be overcome with determination and teamwork.
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