AN epic charity cycle ride in memory of a Dumfriesshire man raised £25,350.
The family and friends of David Hill, who died in 2022, organised and took part in Cycle4David from Edinburgh to Dublin last month.
And this week they revealed their final total, which will go to the CRY charity and pay for hundreds of cardiac screening tests in young people locally.
The event marked the second anniversary of David’s tragic death, from heart issues aged 30, while playing rugby for the Scottish Parliament in Dublin.
It was led by his father Rodger and stepmum Lesley and they had the honour of transporting the match ball for the David Hill Memorial Quaich, which took place at Donnybrook Stadium between the Dail and Seanad and the Scottish Parliament rugby teams, David’s former side.
It was presented to them at the Murrayfield start line by Chris Paterson and the Cycle4David team were then accompanied through Edinburgh by Scottish Parliament presiding officer The Rt Hon. Alison Johnstone MSP.
They called at the Scottish Parliament where they were greeted by Jamie Greene MSP, David’s former employer, and other families who have lost loved ones to Sudden Cardiac Death.
Their route also included stops at 11 secondary schools in Dumfries and Galloway, including Moffat, Lockerbie and Douglas Ewart, to raise awareness of the condition.
The team were accompanied by up to 60 young people and teachers who cycled with them on the different legs through Dumfries and Galloway, at times in atrocious weather.
An emotional Rodger and Lesley arrived in Dublin on March 15, having completed 322 miles. They were met by delegates from Scottish and Irish Rugby, as well as players, friends and family.
Rodger this week said: “The kindness and support we have received at every step of the way has been humbling, the reception at the schools was truly amazing.
“This has been made possible by the love and support we have been shown by so many people. This was a mammoth challenge; I hope David would have been proud of Lesley and I.”
To date, the David Hill Memorial Fund has raised over £65,000 which is funding 600 free cardiac screenings in Dumfries on May 18-19, then in April and September next year.
Additionally, funds from the Cycle4David will be used to offer defibrillators to each secondary school in Dumfries and Galloway.
Dr Steven Cox, chief executive of CRY adds: “I would like to take this opportunity to express my thanks – and admiration – for Rodger, Lesley and everyone else involved with Cycle4David. The funds raised through this challenge is just awesome and will make a huge difference to the numbers of young people we’ll be able to screen in Scotland, over the next 18 months, and beyond.”
