Academic cycles and climbs four corners of Scotland for charities

Published On Mon 12 May 2014 by Grant Hill

Dr Fraser Smith, a Senior Lecturer in Civil Engineering at the University of Dundee, will cycle over 2000km, climbing 27,000m as he does so, in a bid to raise money for a trio of worthy causes. 

Dr Smith is seeking sponsorship for his epic journey that will see him raising funds for WaterAid, Redr UK and Engineers without Borders (EWB). All three of the chosen charities do vital work in times of disaster and help those whose lives are blighted by a lack of access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene education.

Dr Smith has carried out fundraising activities over the past 10 years, raising more than £8000 for various charities in that time.

This year, he will cycle to the most easterly (Keith Inch, Peterhead), northerly (Dunnet Head), westerly (Corrachadh Mor, Ardnamurchan) and southerly (Mull of Galloway) points of the Scottish mainland. He will also climb the most easterly (Mount Keen), northerly (Ben Hope), westerly (Ladhar Bheinn) and southerly (Ben Lomond) Munros on what he is calling the ‘ENWS+4M Challenge’.

Dr Smith said: “Several years ago I attended a talk by someone from WaterAid and it made me think about what I could do to help. As a civil engineer, I am well aware of the benefits that simple engineering can bring to people in horrendous circumstances at times of disaster.

“Over the years I have raised funds by a variety of means and this year is another bike ride which is quite nice as I can actually start and finish at home. This may even be the first time this particular challenge has been attempted. My training is going very well at present – sitting at a desk from very early in the morning to late at night marking coursework and exams is excellent preparation for a trip like this!”

Dr Smith will begin his gruelling challenge on May 31st. Anyone who wishes to sponsor him can do so by emailing f.w.smith@dundee.ac.uk. 

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