Kinross man was Mr Fix-it for Paddy McGuinness’s Children In Need bike marathon

A Kinross man played a vital role as the chief mechanic for comedian Paddy McGuinness during his recent charity endurance cycle for Children in Need. Mark Sinclair from Kinross-shire joined Paddy’s team at the beginning of the 300-mile bike marathon from Wrexham to Glasgow on November 11. The Radio 2 DJ completed the challenging route on his retro Chopper bike, reaching BBC Scotland in Glasgow on Friday morning. The incredible effort has raised over £9 million for Children in Need. Mark’s responsibility throughout the marathon was to ensure Paddy’s bike was in top condition, making necessary adjustments along the way, with the support of bike manufacturers Raleigh UK.

Mark expressed his admiration for Paddy’s achievement, emphasizing the significant impact of the funds raised on children across the UK. He highlighted the collaborative effort of a dedicated team to ensure the smooth and safe running of the marathon from start to finish. Paddy’s Chopper bike, named Patch, was ridden throughout the entire journey, with Raleigh providing backup bikes in case of any issues, although Patch remained operational for the entire duration.

Mark, a seasoned bicycle mechanic with 30 years of experience, currently operates Sinclair Cycles at Channel Farm near Loch Leven, offering bike hire services. Celebrating his 50th birthday on November 8, Mark described his experience supporting Paddy McGuinness as a memorable birthday treat for a passionate bike enthusiast like himself. Prior to his departure to assist with Paddy’s challenge, Mark announced the temporary closure of his shop, indicating his involvement in aiding Pudsey bear with Raleigh Choppers.

During Paddy’s endurance challenge, Scottish businessman Sir Tom Hunter’s charity, The Hunter Foundation, pledged to match donations made to Paddy McGuinness’s Children in Need initiative, up to a maximum of £3 million. The generosity of the foundation further exemplifies the significant impact of Paddy’s fundraising efforts for the charity.

In conclusion, Mark Sinclair’s dedication and expertise as the chief mechanic for Paddy McGuinness’s Children In Need bike marathon played a crucial role in ensuring the success of the charity challenge. His commitment to keeping Patch, Paddy’s Chopper bike, operational throughout the 300-mile journey reflects the spirit of teamwork and determination in supporting a worthy cause. Collaborative efforts from individuals like Mark and the support from organisations such as Raleigh UK and The Hunter Foundation contribute to the collective goal of making a positive difference in the lives of children in need.