Dumfries workers are to play their part in a fundraising exercise to help raise cash to buy ex-NHS ambulances for Ukraine.
The staff at Euro Car Parts have been encouraged to get on their bike and put in some miles for the cause.
Branch manager Jamie McArthur, 39, has organised the fundraiser at the business in Lochside Court, Irongray Road.
He said: “Our colleagues down south are cycling from branch to branch for a total of 325 miles.
“But I thought that was a bit easy so I thought we should cycle the distance between Scotland and Ukraine, which is 1,575 miles.
“We want to raise as much money as possible and it is to support a colleague of ours in England called Dawid Kozlowski who works with Polish and Ukraine Support to supply medical supplies to the local hospital in Szepietowka. Dawid’s plan is to raise money to buy a number of ex-NHS ambulances and medical supplies and drive them over to Szepietowka to help support those in need of care.
“We have quite a big canteen at our unit and the bike will go at the back there.
“There are a few avid cyclists among our 16 staff and we are going to try to get everyone to take part even if it is only for a couple of miles and it won’t be a time-driven thing.
“I am giving the staff time off. They work very hard for me and rather than sitting in their vans I thought it was a good idea to help get people fit, including myself. I let them clock off half an hour early to take part and there are guys here who say it is good as a warm up for them ahead of their gym session after work.
“I was a keen gym member, but since Covid struck I kind of lost interest although I still pay my membership. So I am hoping to get the appetite back for going after this and it will be a win, win situation for me.
