Chivas Brothers shifts into gear with 200-mile cycle for MND

This weekend, our charity partner, Chivas Brothers, held its very first charity cycle ride raising an unbelievable £32,132 to help people living with MND in Scotland and fund pioneering research to find a cure. 

To mark Global MND Awareness Day (21st June) and MND Scotland’s 40th anniversary (23rd June), a team of Chivas Brothers employees biked from the company’s state-of-the-art bottling facility in Dumbarton into the Scotch heartland of Speyside, home to The Glenlivet, Strathisla and Aberlour distilleries.  

MND Scotland was selected by Chivas Brothers employees as their Charity of the Year last January. At the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, the company donated £26,000 to reach their £50,000 fundraising milestone early. Now, through their inaugrual charity cycle the team has raised an incredible £32,132, contributing to exceeding Chivas Brothers’ £100,000 fundraising target for MND Scotland.

The 20-strong group traversed some of the most difficult terrain across the country, covering 200 miles and over 10,000 feet of elevation in just two and a half days, and were still smiling at the end!

Morag McGown, MND Scotland’s Corporate Partnerships Manager, said: “This was a truly incredible feat by the Chivas team, and we have been blown away by everyone’s commitment and generosity.

“From the 20 cyclists who battled through three days of gruelling routes across the country, to everyone who helped organise the event, and of course the friends, family and colleagues who donated to help our fight against MND. This was a fantastic way to mark MND Scotland’s 40th anniversary and Global MND Awareness Day. 

“Without supporters like Chivas Brothers, we simply wouldn’t be able to continue helping families in Scotland when they need us most. All funds raised will make sure no one has to go through the devastation of MND alone, and power cutting-edge research to find a cure. We cannot thank you all enough.” 

Liam Donegan, Manufacturing Director at Chivas Brothers, and one of the participants in the cycle, commented: “It’s brilliant to reflect on the amount raised and the hard work of the team after that mammoth ride. Making a difference to our community is incredibly important to us at Chivas Brothers, so I couldn’t be prouder that with this cycle, we could contribute to the advancements of MND Scotland’s brilliant work. We dug deep and pushed through some tough climbs, but I speak for us all in saying we would do it again in support of the incredible MND team…just maybe in a day or two!” 

There’s still time to donate to Chivas Brothers Charity Cycle for MND here. There are also lots of ways you can get your workplace involved in fundraising for MND Scotland. To find how you can help us continue the fight against MND click here.