TRIO GETS SET FOR CONTINENTAL CYCLING ADVENTURE

Three friends from central Edinburgh will be taking part in the CARE London to Paris cycle challenge next week. The challenge will raise money for leading international aid and development agency CARE International, whose projects help 55 million people in 70 countries find routes out of poverty. Matt Varty, Scott Nicol, and Katy Thomson will be leaving from London on Thursday 16 July and passing through the English countryside, taking the ferry from Portsmonth to Ouistreham and cycling through quaint vineyards and picturesque villages all the way to Paris – where after travelling 230 miles in three days, a much deserved champagne finish will await! Matt, Scott, and Katy are looking for sponsorship for the challenge and hope to raise £4,000. Matt, who is an addictions worker for CrossReach’s Rankeillor Initiative, says: “The fundraising has been going very well. My mum is a care home manager for Bupa and the company has sponsored us £250. We’ve also held a raffle and cake sales and of course friends and family have been extremely generous. It’s been hard work but I can’t think of a more deserving cause than CARE to benefit from our efforts.” Anyone wishing to support Matt, Scott or Katy or can sponsor them by visiting www.justgiving.com/mattvarty, www.justgiving.com/scottnicol or www.justgiving.com/katythomson