A RECORD breaking number of cyclists at this month’s Pedal for Parkinson’s in Stirling were given a rousing send-off by Scottish rugby legend Gavin Hastings.

More than 270 riders of all ages took part and are predicted to raise more than £50,000 for Parkinson’s UK.

Gavin, a long-standing Parkinson’s UK supporter and former rugby captain of Scotland and the British Lions, was the official starter and unofficial ‘motivator-in-chief’ at the event.

Gavin said: "I’m delighted that Pedal Stirling is going from strength to strength with so many people taking part and raising so much money for Parkinson’s UK.

"People are so giving of their time and energy in raising awareness of the charity as well as achieving record amounts of sponsorship.

"I know the charity is rightly proud of its supporters and I’d like to give my thanks too for their fantastic efforts."

The Pedal for Parkinson’s series aims to raise £100,000 for Parkinson’s research and support.

The significant contribution made by the event, held as part of the Stirling Cycling Festival, received a major boost this year thanks to the support of staff and customers in 55 M&S stores across Scotland.

In a week-long fundraising drive ahead of the event a superb £40,000 was raised for the charity.

Denise McNiven, Scotland & Northern Ireland Fundraising Manager at Parkinson’s UK, said: "Thanks and well done to everyone involved in making the Stirling Pedal for Parkinson’s such a huge success.

"We are thrilled to have had an opportunity to partner with M&S in Scotland and are delighted with the amount raised.

"This fabulous effort by M&S employees and customers goes a long way towards our target and will make a huge difference to our work in supporting those affected by Parkinson’s."