River City stars get on their bikes to encourage Scots to Pedal for Scotland and support Maggie’s Centres
Maggie’s Champion Libby McArthur, who plays café owner Gina, and her River City co-stars including Claire Knight, Sally Howitt, Gary Lamont and Tom Urie got on their bikes outside Maggie’s Centre in Glasgow today (Tuesday 1 June) to encourage the public to take to the saddle for the 2010 freshnlo Pedal for Scotland bike ride.

Libby said: “I know from personal experience how hard a diagnosis of cancer can hit someone and their family and friends. I’ve visited Maggie’s Glasgow on a number of occasions and the variety of support they offer to people is incredible; I’ve joined in with nutrition workshops, knitting and nattering groups and relaxation and yoga classes. The staff are always on hand to talk on a one-to-one basis, lead group discussion and help in so many ways.”
Libby continued: “Maggie’s partnership with freshnlo Pedal for Scotland in 2009 resulted in incredible £230,000 being raised for Maggie’s. To give you an idea of how much that means to Maggie’s, it would cover the running costs of one of their centres for almost eight months, or effectively cover the costs of all their centres in Scotland for two months. I really do hope that even more people will take part in 2010 to help people in Scotland living with cancer gain access to Maggie’s unique mix of support.”
The annual Glasgow to Edinburgh bike ride returns in 2010 on Sunday 12 September with organisers hoping to attract even more riders than the record 7,000 that took part in 2009.
This year there will be three different bike rides for people to choose from; the classic 50-mile challenge ride, the brand new Sportive route is a 100-mile ride through the Southern Uplands – taking a longer route between Glasgow and Edinburgh for a serious challenge; and the Family Ride is also a brand new FREE event for families with young children and those new to cycling, with a traffic free off-road route around Glasgow Green with a host of music, entertainment and activities.
The 2009 event recently won two Gold Awards at Marketing Society Star Awards, including the award for Event Excellence.
Claire Benjamin, Event Manager for Maggie’s said: “We are thrilled to be the official charity partner for freshnlo Pedal for Scotland for the second year. The money raised in 2009 equates to covering the costs of 7,500 visits to our centres from people living with cancer. Every pound counts and we thoroughly appreciate the support of people taking part and it is fantastic that Libby and her colleagues have taken the time to help promote the event for Maggie’s. Should anyone wish to visit one of our centres to find out exactly what they would be raising funds for, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.”
Cycling Scotland Chief Executive, Ian Aitken said: “We are thrilled that Libby, Claire, Sally, Gary and Tom have given up their time to support Maggie’s and to encourage people to get on their bikes and sign up for freshnlo Pedal for Scotland 2010.
“Established in 1999, the event has become an important platform to promote cycling as a healthy lifestyle choice. On the route there are regular rest stops, free snacks and entertainment making it the perfect way to enjoy the countryside, stay fit and have fun.
“Now in its twelfth year, we are hoping to build on last year’s record number of entries and raise even more cash for Maggie’s.”
To register for the 2010 Pedal for Scotland visit www.pedalforscotland.org


