
A charity boss is set to hit the roads Down Under for an epic month-long motorbike ride around the country.
Gordon Cruden, from Fraserburgh, will take part in the Australian Motorbike Challenge, circumnavigating the country over the course of 30 days.
The initiative will see Gordon clock up 12,000 miles on a Harley Davidson to raise money for addiction charity Teen Challenge North East Scotland.
The charity is raising funds to buy an addiction recovery home for women called Benaiah, near Mintlaw.
Gordon, the charity’s area manager, helped launch the Buy Benaiah campaign two years ago to raise £535,000 for the centre.
The facility will allow mothers to continue living with their children while they complete the faith-based recovery programme.
Encouraging Gordon throughout the Australian Motorbike Challenge will be members of Christian motorcycle club God’s Squad.
He said: “The Australian Motorbike Challenge is the final fundraising challenge of our Buy Benaiah initiative and what a way to cap the campaign.
“The barren lands, dehydration and 500-mile rides will mean it will be tough but I am thankful to have the support of God’s Squad and Teen Challenge.
“We feel this challenge will bring us over the finishing line for our fundraising so I am excited and expectant about touching down in Australia in October, hitting the roads, meeting the great people of the country and buying Benaiah.”
To date, £493,000 has been raised to buy the property that the charity currently rents. It is hoped by buying the property the centre would provide help on a permanent basis and help more women break free from the cycle of addiction.
To donate to the Buy Benaiah campaign, visit ww.justgiving.com/australianmotorbikechallenge