PICTURES: Riders of Charity motorbikers visiting all lifeboat stations on North Coast 500 for RNLI, Alzheimer’s support and mental health causes
An epic charity motorbike challenge is stopping off at every lifeboat station in the far north to raise funds for the RNLI, Alzheimer's support and mental health.
On Saturday, the RNLI's Loch Ness lifeboat crew welcomed 'ROC - Riders of Charity' to their Drumnadrochit base to signal the start of their 'Chasing Lifeboats' tour.
This will see charity riders stop off at every lifeboat station around the North Coast 500 route to raise money for the RNLI, Alzheimer's Society and Mental Health Motorbike.
"We sent them on their way with bellies full of bacon rolls and as much coffee as they could inhale before they made their way up to RNLI Invergordon lifeboat - where, knowing the hospitality of our friends further North, they were likely filled up with even more coffee and cake," said a spokesperson for the RNLI Loch Ness team.
"Thanks for coming to see us!"
The fundraiser is the brainchild of Victor David, who was determined to raise money to help tackle Alzheimer's Disease after losing his mother to complications stemming from the debilitating illness in 2019.
"Alzheimer's is a cruel disease that robs the person you love of everything that made them who they are," he said. "Dementia leaves behind a shell that you still need to love and care for, reminding you with every visit that your loved one has all but gone. I needed to do my part to help fund further research and improve treatments.
"I had no idea what I was going to do, and explored many options until I passed my motorbike CBT (L-Plates) test in mid 2019. My mum was a rocker in the 1960s and always had fond memories of her days with motorbikes. I suddenly realised a motorbike ride would be the only logical option."
From there he planned his first fundraising ride from Land's End to John O'Groats.in 2021 - with more than 20 riders from across the UK taking part and raising more than £8800 in the process.
In the wake of its success a second fundraiser was planned for 2022, this time riding Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way - generating £7550 split equally between the Alzheimer's Society, Air Ambulances UK, Stroke Association and Mental Health Motorbikes.
Weekend ride-outs in Cornwall, the Brecon Beacons and Yorkshire followed in 2023, raising £2000 split between the Alzheimer's Society and Mental Health Motorbikes.
And now, in 2024, the riders have embarked on another "BIG adventure year, heading back to where it all began - the NC500".
"It is the 200th anniversary of the founding of the RNLI, one of my mothers favourite charities< victor="" david="" continued.="" "so="" this="" year="" we="" are="" fundraising="" for="" them,="" alzheimer's="" society="" and="" mental="" health="">
"As of July this year we have competed part 1 of our 'Chasing Lifeboats Tour, visiting every Lifeboat station from Mablethorpe down to Southwold.
"On July 27 we depart for our final ever run, visiting every lifeboat station along the NC500 route."
So far the fundraiser has generated more than £900 of its initial £3000 target. To donate, and for more information, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/ROC2024
