'It's important that they get a hot meal': Castlemilk man raises 650 meals after marathon bike ride

John Gibson, 31, decided to travel from Castlemilk to Edinburgh as a way to keep his fitness up during lockdown, while also using it as a way to give back.

John said: "The idea for the Meal a Mile event came from lockdown and wanting to keep myself active.

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"During the first lockdown, I was able to do a fundraiser for Maggie's and for the NHS by cycling.

"When I was thinking of doing it again, I noticed a few homeless people around Castlemilk and I thought that it was important that they are fed a hot meal, especially in the winter months and at Christmas."

Setting off at 6am on November 29, John cycled from The Braes Shopping Centre on Dougrie Drive in Castlemilk to Edinburgh Castle and back, smashing his aim for a meal for every mile after 650 were donated.

John outside Edinburgh Castle

He was able to rope in favours from friends and secured support from Glasgow restaurants such as Macarico, Bistecca and The Black Horse Summerston among others.

He said: "It's been such a difficult year for a lot of people who maybe didn't think that they would in the situation that they are.

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"Everyone in the community and the restaurants has been so keen to support the cause and I couldn't ask for any more.

"My friend John Freil helped to organise a lot and I really appreciate all of his work."

The meals will be handed out at a special event in The Braes Shopping Centre, where he set off on his journey, in partnership with Castlemilk Together Community Food Action on December 12.

John said: "We are planning on handing them out at the 'Meal 'n' Music' event in a few weeks and hopefully restrictions will be lifted by then so that we can give to those in need.

"It will be a great event for people who are looking for a hot meal and also just for a bit of a chat and company too."

Paddy at Castlemilk Together Community Food Action, said: "We rallied around and together developed the event ‘Meal n Music’ where community members are invited to pick up a meal pack, listen to some local young people sing and a DJ play music, find out what support is available in their community and generally be inspired by John’s action. 

"Through our partnership, we have the resources required for such things, for example, tables, gazebos, high vis, hand sanitiser, and through sharing these we can work with ideas and shape them into projects or events. 

"People like John and the restaurants involved are so essential in times like these, lifting spirits and showing that there are really creative ways to use your own skills or interests to raise awareness and make change."