A Kilbarchan Scout will be joined by a local councillor as he takes on a 50-mile bike ride to raise funds for a trip to Peru. Erik McFee, 15, and family friend Councillor Andy Doig plan to cycle from the Renfrewshire village to Irvine and back on Saturday, October 31.
Challenge details
The pair aim to complete the ride within four hours and are encouraging donations to support the teenager's journey to South America in the summer. Writing on his JustGiving page, Erik described the trip as a "once-in-a-lifetime adventure" where participants will explore Peru's culture, meet local communities, and help with projects that make a difference.
He explained the work will include cutting down non-native trees to protect the environment, fixing fences, and painting a nursery to create a brighter space for local children. "This trip means a lot to me – it's about growth, teamwork and giving back to communities who will welcome us into their world," he wrote.
Fundraising efforts
"To help fund the trip, my friend Andy Doig and I are taking on a huge challenge. We are planning to cycle from Kilbarchan to Irvine and back and have set the date of October 31," Erik added. "Any donation, big or small, helps me get one step closer to Peru and one step closer to making a positive impact."
Councillor Andy Doig, an independent representative for Kilbarchan, said he is a close friend of the McFee family and knew Erik's father Bruce very well. "When I heard that Erik had been chosen to go on a charity trip to Peru, the family and I discussed methods of fundraising," he said.
The Peru projects
Erik and his colleagues from across the West of Scotland will travel to the city of Cusco in Peru, where they will undertake three projects: renovating a children's nursery, clearing a hillside of non-native trees, and creating a garden in a nursing home. "This will be a tremendous once-in-a-lifetime adventure for Erik and the other Scouts and bring great benefit to Cusco," Councillor Doig said.
He added that Erik shares his lifelong love of cycling, both as a leisure and competitive cyclist, and the pair are hitting the gym regularly to increase their fitness levels. They plan to leave Kilbarchan on the National Cycle Network 7 and travel 25 miles down to Ayrshire before returning. Donations can be made via www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/iris-mcfee.
