Kinross Man Supports Paddy McGuinness’s Children In Need Bike Marathon
A Kinross-shire bike mechanic, Mark Sinclair, played a crucial role in supporting comedian Paddy McGuinness during his recent endurance cycle for Children in Need. Sinclair joined Paddy’s team at the beginning of the 300-mile marathon from Wrexham to Glasgow on November 11. Paddy rode his retro Chopper bike, finishing at BBC Scotland in Glasgow the following Friday morning. The event has managed to raise over £9 million for Children in Need.
Sinclair’s responsibility was to keep Paddy’s bike in top condition and make necessary adjustments throughout the journey, with the backing of cycle manufacturers Raleigh UK. Speaking about the experience, Sinclair expressed his admiration for Paddy’s achievement and the impact of the funds raised, stating, “What Paddy achieved by riding his Chopper 300 miles is incredible. He’s raised over £9 million pounds that will help support children right across Britain.” Sinclair highlighted the teamwork involved in ensuring a safe and smooth journey from Wrexham to Glasgow over the course of four and a half days.
Sinclair, a longtime bicycle mechanic with 30 years of experience, runs his own bike hire business called Sinclair Cycles at Channel Farm near Loch Leven. He shared his excitement about contributing to Paddy’s challenge as he celebrated his 50th birthday on November 8. With the support of Raleigh providing backup bikes if needed, Sinclair and the team successfully kept Paddy’s bike, nicknamed Patch, running smoothly for the entire journey.
During Paddy’s charity cycle, Scottish businessman Sir Tom Hunter’s charity, The Hunter Foundation, announced that they would match donations to McGuinness’s BBC Children in Need challenge up to £3 million. This generous initiative aims to double the impact of the donations made by the public to support the cause.
In conclusion, Sinclair’s dedication and expertise as a bike mechanic played a crucial role in ensuring a successful and impactful charity cycle for Children in Need. His commitment to supporting Paddy McGuinness’s marathon journey exemplifies the spirit of teamwork and community involvement in raising funds for a meaningful cause.