Press Release issued: 21 April 2011.
Glasgow Central MP Anas Sarwar is taking to the fast-lane to help raise funds for blind and partially sighted people this Sunday [May 22nd].
He will be joining others in seizing a unique chance to run, walk or cycle the newly completed M74 motorway link to help one of eight designated charities that will share the total £5 registration fees each participant will pay.
The event will celebrate the completion of the new 8km stretch of road that will bridge the gap between the M74 at Fullarton Road and the M8 to the west of Kingston Bridge in Glasgow.
Anas is running in aid of the Royal National Institute of Blind People Scotland and can be sponsored online at www.justgiving.com/anassarwar.
"Sight loss is on the increase in Scotland, mainly because we are an ageing population," he commented. "So I'm very pleased to help raise funds for the country's leading sight loss charity and the vital work they do."
RNIB Scotland supports and provides services for the 180,000 Scots who are blind or partially sighted. Every day, ten more people begin to lose their vision.
Director John Legg said: "We help people to find their lives again - not just with braille and talking books, but with information on eye-conditions and support and advice for independent living. We also campaign to eliminate avoidable sight loss and support research into eye-health issues.
"But right now we can only reach one in three of those who need us.
"By sponsoring someone taking part this Sunday, you can help us reach everybody in Scotland who needs our help - 87p of every pound we receive goes directly to helping blind and partially sighted children and adults, so you can be sure that your donation is going where it matters most. As a charity, we rely very much on the public's generosity."
The 'M74 Bike n' Hike' event will start at the west end of the new motorway at the Shields Road Car Park on Scotland Street.