Gregor Hollerin reports in The Extra


AN EASTWOOD high school teacher is taking on the challenge of a lifetime in memory of a former teammate.


On March 31, Gordi Reid will set off on a cycle around Scotland to visit the country’s top 40 clubs.

It’s all in aid of the Craig Hodgkinson trust, a charity set up in honour of Gordi’s former Glasgow Hawks team mate who fell victim to cardiac arrest while playing rugby for the British Navy at the age of 28.

The 29-year-old PE teacher intends to leave Aberdeen on Sunday, March 31 before embarking on a six day cycle trip which will end at old Anniesland, home of GHK where Gordi currently plays and Craig’s dad coaches.

The Craig Hodgkinson Trust was set up by Craig’s parents, Diane and John. The trust aims to provide defibrillator equipment to sports team, clubs and communities throughout the country to ensure that potential life-saving equipment is on hand. 
Gordi, who also knew the talented stand-off from when they both attended Glasgow high school, is looking forward to the challenge.

He told The Extra: “It was while watching John Bishop on Comic Relief last year, when he cycled, ran and rowed more than 295 miles, that first gave me the idea to take up this challenge.

“I have never done anything before this in my life, the most I have cycled is the nine miles to school and back, so it will be a shock to the system.

“But I am looking forward to it. It will be worth the effort, it is a charity that is important to us and John has been extremely supportive.

“Although it will be hard and definitely the biggest challenge of my life, I am going with two of 
my teammates at GHK so we should have some good fun along the way.

“We hope to be back for our game against Glasgow Accies on April 6, but I highly doubt we will be in a fit state to play by then!”

The trio intend to cycle 650 miles over the course of six and a half days, meaning they will be on the road for between 8 and 12 hours each day.

You can follow their progress on the facebook page (www.facebook.com/briggsycycle), and donate via lastinghope.bhf.org.uk/briggsycycle.

This article was posted on 27-Jan-2013, 11:10 by Hugh Barrow.