Green Msp's Bike Ride to Help Leprosy Sufferers
Fri., June 20, 2003. 00:00.
Green MSP Mark Ruskell will join hundreds of fellow cyclists on a 68-mile cycle ride tomorrow to help raise
money for leprosy sufferers around the world.
Mr Ruskell, who represents mid-Scotland & Fife, will launch the event in Edinburgh and will ride the full route through to St. Andrews.
The annual Edinburgh to St Andrews bike ride, organised by the charity Lepra, is expected to attract more than 700 cyclists. Last year, the funds raised helped to support 982 people in some of the world's poorest and most remote areas where leprosy continues to blight people's lives.
Mr Ruskell, who represents Mid-Scotland & Fife, said: 'I hope that by taking part in this event I can draw attention to the plight of the world's leprosy sufferers, most of whom live in conditions of appalling poverty. I'm not particularly fit but anyone who cycles a couple of miles to work during the week would be surprised how many miles they could manage on an event like this or their holidays. This is a great way to finish off National Bike Week - events like this are excellent for not only raising cash for a good cause, but also highlight the need to
create a cycling culture in Scotland.'
PHOTOCALL
Mr Ruskell will be launching the event at 8.30am, in East Market Street, Edinburgh and is expected to arrive in St Andrews at about 4pm. Please phone him on 07719 348958 shortly before 4pm to arrange a venue.
EDITORS' NOTES
Lepra was established 80 years ago and is dedicated to helping people suffering from leprosy in some of the poorest and remote regions of the world.
Contact: Rosalind Kerry on 01968 682369.
Website: www.lepra.org.uk
Contact the Scottish Greens' press team on 07909 933 074.