A Lanarkshire-born fundraiser smashed through his £200,000 fundraising target in his final charity cycle.
Jim Bertram, who was brought up in Newmains, has been taking part in a variety of long-distance fundraising bike rides for a number of charities over the last decade.
Jim’s final challenge saw him cycle from Wolves’ Molineux Stadium to Rugby Park in Kilmarnock in aid of the Kris Boyd Charity, set up by the former footballer and inspired by the tragic loss of Kris’ brother Scott, who sadly died by suicide in 2016.
The total for this challenge exceeded £6000 meaning Jim’s final total stands at an incredible £203,204.
Speaking to Lanarkshire Live this week, the 55-year-old said: “I wouldn’t say it was emotional crossing the finishing line, but it took me a week to sink in that I had finished my latest major challenge.
“It was a great few days. On one of the days we started from Fir Park in Motherwell so I was able to go back up the road and stopped off to see some of the guys up at the Bellside Inn and my family in Newmains.
“Kris came down and did a bit of the way with us as well.
“These bike rides are tough but some of the people you meet put things into perspective.
“We were going through the Borders when one woman said she would give us £50.
“We started talking to her and then she burst into tears before telling us her own son had taken his own life.”
Jim has decided to call time with the long-distance rides for work and family reasons although he admits he will still be doing single day races.
He was delighted to be able to hand over a bumper cheque to the charity and its sponsors Paycare.
Sally Bromley, Paycare Partnerships Engagement Officer, said: “The funds will be so beneficial to the Kris Boyd Charity to help them provide support and continue their mission of raising awareness of, and encouraging people to talk about, mental health.
“Especially given the recent rise in mental ill health, with experts predicting the increase will continue for some time to come, it’s more important than ever that we are all aware of our own wellbeing, and the wellbeing of those around us.
“Huge congratulations to Jim and the team – we’re very proud to have sponsored the ride.”
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