Celebrating its 15th year in 2013, ‘freshnlo’, Pedal for Scotland, takes participants on an iconic route from Glasgow to Edinburgh. The 47 mile ride is Scotland's biggest bike ride and attracted 8000 participants last year.  It takes place on Sunday 8th September and cyclists will be setting off from Glasgow Green and finishing in style at Murrayfield Stadium.

This year, I will be embarking on this sponsored challenge in memory of my brother-in-law and good friend, Neil Harold. 

Neil was an innocent victim of a car accident in Cumbernauld on 1st August, 2012, the day after his 34th birthday. He leaves behind his wife Laura and their son Ryan, who has just turned 3. Neil and his colleague, Gordon, were travelling to a sports centre to play their weekly game of badminton.  A car, driving at speed, lost control and crossed the central reservation of the dual carriageway, killing Neil and Gordon instantly.

As Neil's brother in law, I have experienced first hand, the impact this tragedy has had on the Harold family and those closest to Neil.  Learning to live without someone so influential and so much part of our present, has been a huge challenge, and at times, unimaginable.

Alongside the fundraising event, "A Night for Neil", which takes place at the end of August, I will be joining some friends to complete the Glasgow to Edinburgh bike ride and we are hoping to raise as much money as possible for the road safety charity, Brake.  This charity was chosen by Neil's wife, Laura as they provided invaluable support in the days after his accident.

Please sponsor me whatever you can, to help raise funds for a very worthy cause.  It really will make a difference.