Did you happen to catch this recent news story? Himalayan cycle heroes reunite… in Scotland

If so, you’ll know that DGHUK supporter Carol McLaren had been working on a Dr Graham-themed cycle ride across the breadth of Scotland. Running for six days and covering some 300 miles, the Legacy Ride in Scotland was inspired by the major fundraising journey she completed in India last year.

So how did they get on? We caught up with Carol to find out.

Carol, thanks for joining us on the blog. First things first: how are the legs?!

Not too bad, thanks! I was feeling a lot of responsibility, because I helped to design the route and organise the ride. So I think the adrenaline compensated for the exhaustion! But it was a brilliant week.

You were on the 2022 Bike for DGH fundraising trip in India – is that right?

Yes. Last autumn, I was part of the team that rode from Siliguri to Dr Graham’s Homes in Kalimpong. It’s a challenge that Rev John Webster (DGHUK’s Honorary Vice President) created about 20 years ago, to raise money for DGH. We had an amazing time and raised around £4,500 through the trip.

Did you know much about the Homes at that point?

No. I’d actually never heard of DGH – although my granny was a churchgoer, and I think Dr Graham may have visited her church during one of his tours of Scotland many years ago. Anyway – one day last year, I had a chance conversation with a friend of mine, Billy, who told me he was doing this trip to the Homes. I asked him if I could come along, because I’d always wanted to visit India. So I signed up and completed the ride. When we eventually arrived in Kalimpong, we were given a bagpipe reception through the streets. They played Scotland the Brave and decked us in marigold wreaths. I had tears in my eyes! Then I spent some time at the Homes. And I just fell in love with them.

So how did this new challenge come about?

There were three reasons for it, really. First, it was a chance to reunite the team, and take our adventure back to Scotland. Second, I wanted to go to Arran to meet Rev John Webster, who has such a strong connection to the Homes (though sadly he was unwell during the week of our visit, so we weren’t able to make that happen in the end). And third, I wanted to visit some of the people and places that are special to DGH. So we included Cardross, the village where Dr Graham grew up. And we wanted to finish by inviting Rt Rev Sally Foster-Fulton to afternoon tea. As many supporters will know, she’s the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland (a position Dr Graham himself held) and an Honorary President of DGHUK. I didn’t think it would be possible, but she was delighted to hear from us and said yes.

Were you raising funds this time?

Not officially. But we actually ended up raising about £1,500 anyway! People heard what we were doing and just sent donations for DGHUK – which was amazing. My main aim was to raise awareness about the Homes. I just think Dr Graham left an incredible legacy. I really want to get his name out there.

Where did the route take you?

So it was bookended by two UNESCO World Heritage sites: starting at the New Lanark Mill in South Lanarkshire and finishing at the Forth Bridge in South Queensferry. Day 2 was a circuit of Arran. Then, back on the mainland, we visited Cardross, where the local church hosted us for lunch and took us to see Dr Graham’s childhood home. From there, it was on to Drymen and across Scotland (with a stop-off at the Bannockburn battleground) to finish on the east coast. At the lunch with Rt Rev Sally, we were also joined by a number of the DGHUK trustees, which was lovely.

What was the biggest challenge?

Right at the start, we had to do a detour because a bridge was being repaired. It was 15 miles into headwinds and we ended up more or less where we started. I couldn’t believe it! Fortunately, somehow, we made it to our ferry in time for the crossing to Arran that evening - but only with moments to spare.

And what was the highlight?

Riding through the beautiful Scottish countryside was one of them. It was also a huge privilege to see the other riders. One cyclist, Karen, came all the way up from France with her husband to join us. Another two, Tenzing and Nancy, flew over from America. I was also so grateful to Esther Anne Pears, one of the trustees, who came up at the last minute when two riders had to pull out. She ended up travelling the whole journey with us. And then there were Jim and Pat Simpson, who tracked us across Scotland and transported our baggage from hotel to hotel. That was amazing too.

What’s the future for the Legacy Ride? Do you have plans to do it again?

I’d certainly be interested in doing it again, possibly as a full fundraiser for the Homes. Through doing this, I’ve struck up friendships with many of the charity trustees. And we know the route works well: amazing countryside, three major bridges of Scotland, a battleground, and some places that are special to DGH – all bookended by two UNESCO World Heritage sites. So you never know. Watch this space, as they say…

Would you be interested in joining a future Legacy Ride fundraising trip? If so, please contact the DGHUK Sponsorship Secretaries. They’ll be glad to keep you in touch with Carol’s plans.