CELTIC FC Foundation employee, Gillian Gallacher regularly aims to promote health and fitness within her role at the stadium. However, this month she’ll be going one step, or should we say one pedal further, as she takes part in a London to Amsterdam cycle, while fundraising for Celtic FC Foundation.
Gillian is a Health and Fitness Coach, providing sessions on the Gateway to Health and Opportunity project. The project is aimed at adults aged 18+, who are long-term unemployed and in receipt of (primarily health-related) benefits.
It aims to assist participants in taking the first steps towards improving their health and wellbeing, as well as looking to progress back into the world of work.
On August 30, Gillian will embark on a mammoth challenge as she aims to cycle just over 600km from London to Amsterdam. She spoke of her enjoyment of working with the Foundation and her excitement ahead of the event.
Gillian said: “I’ve been with Celtic FC Foundation now for almost five-and-a-half years. Currently I deliver health and fitness sessions in the community, which is very enjoyable. I try to highlight to the project participants that if I can do it, then they can do it.
“I’m always keen to assist with fundraising as long as I am physically fit. I find it really inspiring that Celtic FC Foundation continues to promote the charitable principles on which the club was founded.”
The cycle will begin at London’s Crystal Palace and will be completed over the course of three-and-a-half days. Cyclists will travel through Bruges en route to Amsterdam, where they will share a celebratory meal upon completion of the cycle.
This, however, will not be Gillian’s first long distance cycle, as she completed a ride from London to Paris in 2013.
She said: “I like to constantly challenge myself and set new goals, so taking part in another big cycling challenge was the ideal way to do this.
“As a Health and Fitness Coach, I need to practice what I preach and being able to do so while raising funds for Celtic FC Foundation is fantastic.
“Training has been going well. Having done the Paris cycle, I’ve actually been quite relaxed as I’ve known where my training levels need to be at and I’ve built it up over the weeks. During the event a lot of it is about mental strength so the experience I gained last time will be a massive help.”
Gillian is aiming to raise £1,000 for Celtic FC Foundation through her efforts and has been humbled by the generosity shown to date.
Gillian said: “The donations so far have been fantastic. When I’m out there cycling and I know that people are donating and showing their support it really spurs me on.
“Raising money for the Foundation is a great motivation. We’re working with people who face real daily challenges in their lives and knowing that the money raised will help is truly inspiring.”
Donations can be made on Gillian’s online fundraising page here.
