On yer bike as Cowdenbeath Leisure Centre staff and customers raise cash

This year Maggie’s Fife and the hospice at the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy were the beneficiaries of their weekend of pedal power with £2,300 split between the two charities.

Staff, customers and friends embarked on the epic challenge, hopping onto the static exercise bikes on a Saturday and Sunday to ensure that the running of the centre was not affected.

Tracey Smith, who works at Cowdenbeath for Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, said they'd targeted 558 miles and ended up more than doubling it.

She said: "With the help of their amazing family, friends, customers and instructors the target was achieved by the Saturday evening, so in true leisure centre style we decided 'Why don’t we just go for it all over again tomorrow?'.

"This caused us a little bit of a headache as we managed to sell all our home baking on the Saturday!

"So as not to disappoint, we rallied our troops to ensure this was replenished for the Sunday and the final mileage total achieved was a phenomenal 1,140 miles."

Tracey added: "Special mentions to some of those who joined us over the two days.

"Before we had even arrived on Saturday morning, Davie Hunter was in and on a bike and his total was an amazing 85 miles.

"Next up was six-year-old Grace; we were slightly concerned that she would not be able to reach the pedals!

"When she realised she was not tall enough Grace did not let that put her off, she stood up and continued pedalling for an outstanding seven miles.

"Taylor was next to join us after his swimming lesson. Before swimming Taylor had played for his football team and still managed to help us out.

"His dad also took part in the cycle.

"Then on Sunday morning he returned to cycle again, this time bringing mum along to take part."

Tracey, along with workmates Avril Halliday and Cally Tod, thanked everyone who supported their charity events, including their "amazing" customers at the centre.

She added: "We received fantastic donations of money, raffle prizes and homemade baking, and thanks also to those who were crazy enough to join us in the link bridge karaoke during the course of the cycle!"

Asked why she chose 558 miles as a total, Tracey laughed: "The distance from Scotland, north to south, is 274 miles so we thought we'd go for double that.

"Unfortunately our arithmetic was a bit off so instead of 548 we chose 558 miles!

"We ended up doubling that anyway and our next challenge will be to raise money for an Alzheimer's charity."