BASICS Scotland, The Sandpiper Trust and The Rural GPs Association of Scotland are raising awareness to generate essential funding to make sure that we are always there for you in future.

Alongside BASICS Scotland, The Sandpiper Trust provides training and vital equipment — like the Sandpiper Bag, a “crash trolley in a rucksack” — to support rural clinicians delivering pre-hospital emergency care.

RGPAS supports, educates, and advocates for rural GPs. Their annual conference highlights key topics in rural general practice and creates a welcoming space for healthcare professionals from across Scotland — including medical students — to connect, share experiences, and learn from each other.

Both charities are lifelines for rural healthcare. This relay raises awareness and funds to help sustain them — work that should be government-funded, but often isn’t.

In July, we will cycle, run and sea kayak, 1000 km.

Beginning on July 4, in Stornoway on The Western Isles, we will travel across to the Isle of Skye, then over to Ullapool, and head for Thurso, (via Applecross) and eventually to Kirkwall, Orkney - in time for the Orkney Island Games aiming to arrive on July 12th.

I’m cycling from Gairloch -> Ullapool-> to Lochinver over two days — 141 km and 2,250 m of elevation — to raise funds for this crucial work. I’m lucky to be part of an amazing relay team, supported by a brilliant crew who’ll keep us going along the way.