Sir Chris Hoy

Olympic hero Sir Chris Hoy backed the ‘Break the Cycle’ campaign to raise £1 million to help fund two new villages in Glasgow and London.

Sir Chris also cycled the 60-mile route from Glasgow to Edinburgh, with Thorntons associates Joanne Clancy and Neil Falconer saddling up for the cause. Fellow legal director Sue Arrowsmith Rodgers also took part in the challenge virtually by walking, cycling and horse riding.

Social Bite has already built a village and community in Edinburgh to support up to 20 people affected by homelessness at any one time. The purpose of the project is to use vacant land to build a village with beautiful prefabricated housing and a community hub.

They also provide tailored support, skill-building and opportunities that enable residents to move on from their situation of homelessness and hopefully sustain their own tenancies and build positive lives for themselves.

Joanne Clancy, a personal injury associate based in Thorntons’ Edinburgh office, said: ”We’re very proud to have completed the 60-mile journey and more importantly raise money and awareness for this amazing project. The Social Bite villages will make an immeasurable impact on the lives of so many in our communities, and it was an honour to cycle alongside Sir Chris Hoy!”

The cycle started at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow and finished 60 miles later in Edinburgh at the proposed site of the new village.

10% of funds raised from the event will also be donated to SAMH, the Scottish Association for Mental Health and further funds will be invested in Social Bite’s mission to Break the Cycle of homelessness by providing food, employment opportunities and housing projects.