To follow my experience, check out my blog at Scotty Boy's Bicycle Across Britain

1. THE JESS MACKIE MEMORIAL FUND (£2,000) SC045018

My beautiful, talented and charismatic 14-year-old niece, Jess Mackie, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on 2nd January 2018.

Jess was a talented and passionate singer. She was part of the National Youth Choir of Scotland, sang with her church and performed in school concerts. Jess was a caring and compassionate girl who always sought to help others. She had a sense of how music could help people when they were in need.

Her parents and twin sister have shown amazing strength, courage and resilience by setting up this very fitting Memorial Fund to ensure Jess can continue helping others as she had always done, and would have continued to do if she were still with us.

All monies raised by the Jess Mackie Memorial Fund will be used to provide support and comfort to babies, children and young people, at Edinburgh Children's Hospital, through therapeutic music projects.

Many children and young people in hospital feel vulnerable because they lack control over what's happening to them. Music can have an enormous and positive impact, helping ignite a spark in them and giving them back a sense of control. It can also give them a means of expressing themselves, making friends, building their confidence and accessing new opportunities.

Jess would have loved to know she was a part of making that happen.

2. The St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation (£2,000) 1144606

The main focus of the Charitable Foundation is on helping children and young people who have special needs or are disadvantaged, both in the UK and overseas. The Charitable Foundation also supports the hospice movement, charities in aid of cancer and, more recently, those helping people of all ages with mental health issues.

This is an integral part of our company and culture. It has grown significantly since 1992 to become one of the most successful company charities in the UK, with over £110 million raised and distributed to good causes during this period. The Charitable Foundation has been able to support many charities and good causes over the years with multiple grants.

Around 85% of the St. James’s Place Wealth Management community pledge monthly covenants and organise fundraising events for the Charitable Foundation. All fundraising is matched £1 for £1 by St. James’s Place. This is amongst the highest take up rates in any UK corporate institution.

3. East Coast FM (£1,000) SC042784

I am a volunteer at this local community radio station which broadcasts useful information and entertaining music every day throughout south east Scotland.

It supports volunteers of all ages in developing their communication, presentation and technical skills to enhance their employability.

The financial viability of the charity is dependent on the generosity of our advertisers, sponsors and donors.