Mauchline sailor on charity cycle race

May 29 2009 by Lisa Boyle

A BIG-HEARTED sailor embarked on a gruelling charity cycle and raised thousands of pounds in the process.

Lieutenant Commander Billy Adams, from Mauchline, cycled 450 miles in four days to complete the challenge.

And the 38-year-old, along with 11 colleagues from HMS Neptune, HM Naval Base Clyde, raised £4000 for the Children’s Hospice Association for Scotland (CHAS).

Billy and his comrades travelled from their Faslane base to Fort Augustus on day one – a journey of 113 miles.

Day two saw them cycling 148 miles and on day three the fitness fanatics headed to Rosyth in Fife, before tackling the final leg of the trip on day four back to Faslane.

Billy, who is First Lieutenant of HMS Neptune, said: “The event was extremely challenging and every member of the team had to push themselves both physically and mentally throughout.

“Everyone was determined to complete it though, having been inspired after a recent visit to CHAS' Robin House in Balloch.

“It's amazing the work they're doing there and a real honour to see first hand the superb care that's on offer to both the children and their families.”

Billy, who is originally from Cumnock, now lives in Mauchline with his wife, Cheryl, and daughters Caitlin, 9, and Megan, 6.

As first lieutenant of HMS Neptune he is responsible for helping the naval base commander in the day-to-day running of the site.

CHAS is a Scottish charity providing hospice services in Scotland for children and young people with life-limiting conditions.

Their hospices offer professional care, practical help and emotional support to the families, from the day of acceptance, to the death of their child, and beyond.