A bike ride sponsored by Paycare has raised more than £5,000 for a mental health charity run by a former Premier League footballer – with money still coming in from supporters.
The Kris Boyd Charity Ride started at the Molineux and saw the team cycle more than 400 miles over four days. Along the way, they stopped at Kris’ former clubs Nottingham Forest, Middlesbrough and Rangers, as well as Paycare-sponsored Motherwell FC, before finishing the challenge at Kilmarnock FC.
The Kris Boyd Charity was set up to encourage more people to talk openly about their mental health, inspired by the tragic loss of Kris’ brother Scott, who sadly died by suicide in 2016.
Since its launch, the charity has held workshops and wellbeing sessions, visited schools to talk about mental health for teenagers, supported businesses with their mental health support provision, and donated to other good causes such as the Samaritans and food banks.
Speaking before they set off, event organiser Jim Bertram said he’d wanted to do something to support those impacted by mental ill health, especially given the rise in prevalence over the last couple of years.
Sally Bromley, our Partnerships Engagement Officer, was there at the start line to cheer the team on. She said:
“It’s an amazing achievement for Jim and the team – not only the physical challenge of cycling so far in such a short time, but also the incredible amount of money they’ve raised.
“The funds will be so beneficial to the Kris Boyd Charity to help them provide support and continue their mission of raising awareness of, and encouraging people to talk about, mental health.
“Especially given the recent rise in mental ill health, with experts predicting the increase will continue for some time to come, it’s more important than ever that we are all aware of our own wellbeing, and the wellbeing of those around us. Huge congratulations to Jim and the team – we’re very proud to have sponsored the ride.”
Donations are still coming in across the team’s individual fundraising pages – you can visit Jim’s page here.
Well done to all the cyclists and a huge thanks to everyone who donated!