Lifelong Hibs’ fan Hugh Cockburn has completed his charity bike ride of 152 miles, visiting 12 stadiums and raising over £1000 for Sarcoma cancer uk, in memory of fellow St Patrick’s Branch member Shaun McKinley.
After resting his tired legs, Hugh took time from his busy schedule to describe his journey to the Edinburgh Reporter and share some of his photographs.
He said: “Monday morning I arrived at Easter Road to be met by Big G, Stuart and Jackie from the St.Pats Branch and Colin Millar from Hibs. I greatly appreciated them taking the time to come and see me off. Colin took us in to the stadium where I had a quick photo shoot before heading off up Easter Road on my quest.
“It started raining as I reached Ingleston and continued until my first pit stop at Bathgate. There, I met to old gentlemen on electric bikes who showed me the cycle path that led straight to my first stop Airdrie. I cycled with them for a while and have never laughed so much for ages. Their banter was great. Airdrie and Albion Rovers were visited, no problem and I was soon on my way to Cumbernauld, home of Clyde FC.
“As I was making my way through the maze, that is Cumbernauld, disaster struck!!!! My chain snapped. As I had not packed a spare, schoolboy error, I was stranded. Only 50 miles done and only 2 stadiums visited, I was gutted. After a mile of walking with bike, then short taxi ride to bike shop and bit of haggling with mechanic, I was soon back on road but well behind my schedule. Clyde, quickly followed by Partick Thistle and Celtic were soon ticked off list before my final destination of day 1, Hampden. 83 miles completed.
“Day 2 saw me leave my hotel, where I was given a free breakfast when they discovered my quest. I headed firstly to Ibrox, then passed Parkhead again before heading to the highlight of my trip, New Douglas Park, home of Hamilton Accies.
“There I met the delightful Lisa Kerr, who took the time to give me a guided tour of the stadium and explain about the marvellous charity work they do. On leaving I was given a club badge, the only ones to give me anything at all and told I was welcome to visit anytime in the new season, complimentary tickets.
“A short trip along the road took in Motherwell, before heading home via Livingston. A nice warm welcome awaited me at Almondvale and a mini tour was given. I joined the A71 and steered my trusty steed towards Edinburgh and Easter Road.
“Going through Gorgie, I made a quick stop at Tynecastle. A lovely scenic cycle along Princes St and I was soon back at my beloved Easter Road. 69 miles completed.
“A big thanks to Big G, Stuart, Jackie, Paddy and his son who were there to cheer me back. Photos taken, handshakes all round and I cycled back up to Waverley to catch my train back to Sunderland.
“Total mileage 152 miles, 12 stadiums visited. total raised to date £1120 for Sarcoma cancer uk. All done in memory of Shaun McKinley.
“I am aiming to continue my quest by cycling to Dunfermline, Cowdenbeath, Raith Rovers, East Fife, Alloa, Stirling Albion, Stenhousemuir, Falkirk next. Hopefully in August.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
