Uncle Bob’s Cycle event, established by Scottish drinks trade veteran Bob Taylor more than a decade ago, has announced that it has chosen a new charity to benefit from its fundraising.
Hospitality Health, the Scottish charity dedicated to improving health and wellbeing of staff working in the hospitality and tourism industry, will be the event’s charity partner when the bikes set off on the 9th of June.
In previous years, the event has raised money for The Ben – the Benevolent Society of the Licensed Trade of Scotland.
Hospitality Health was founded by Gordon McIntyre MBE in 2018, with a mission to change the way the industry thinks about mental health, and to provide employers with the tools and skills to help staff experiencing mental ill health.
Its Wellness Charter award recognises businesses which are putting the right mechanisms in place to support their staff’s emotional wellbeing. The charity also fully funds staff to attend Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) certificated training.
Speaking at the first planning meeting for Uncle Bob’s Cycle 2026 – which was held at Manorview’s Bowfield Hotel & Spa – Bob Taylor said: “We are delighted to support Gordon and the team at Hospitality Health. The work they do in raising the need for wellbeing in the industry is so important. Sadly, required more now than ever before.”
Uncle Bob has now handed the event’s organisational baton over to Steve Graham of Manorview, Michele Pagliocca of Monteleone Group and Robert Campbell, a mediator at Resolving Disputes, who as director of sport will be supporting everyone in the broom wagon bringing up the rear.
Steve, Michaela and Robert commented: “We are excited to support Bob and take over the organisational responsibility. It also seemed a suitable time to find a new charity partner and since cycling gets you outdoors, keeps you fit and is good for the mindset, Hospitality Health fits as a great cause for us to support.”
Gordon McIntyre MBE responded: “This is brilliant news, we are delighted to get the support from Bob, Steve, Michaela, Robert and the cyclists taking part this year.
“It is a perfect fit for what we are trying to do at Hospitality Health. A fit body is a fit mind; there is not a better thing to do than catch up with friends and head out on the bike for exercise and fresh air.”
After an informal breakfast, this year’s cycling route will depart from Manorview’s Bowfield Hotel & Spa, in Howwood, then venture through Ayrshire towards Ardrossan and Largs, before heading back for the big finish at Bowfield.
Uncle Bob’s Cycle is looking for more cyclists to join the pack, with the organisers stressing that participants do not have to be ‘elite riders’ to take part – there are people of all ages and abilities already signed up to get in the saddle and raise sponsorship for Hospitality Health.
For more information and to sign up for the cycling, contact Alison Haverstock at Manorview. To make a donation, go to the event’s JustGiving page.
