Gourock pensioner is using pedal power to raise money for the NHS during the pandemic

Bob Hossack, 70, is making tracks on a virtual cycle from Greenock to Land's End.

Due to the Covid-19 crisis, Bob can't make the physical journey so he's travelling the same number of miles on daily journeys across Inverclyde instead.

Bob, from Denholm Street, is passionate about the importance of the NHS and wants to show his appreciation for it by raising funds to help specific coronavirus work.

Bob said: "I'm really happy to be helping out a cause very close to my heart.

"I'm a firm believer in the NHS and think it's the jewel in the crown of the UK, especially at this time.

"When I started off, I had no intention of going the distance to Land's End - I just thought I would start off and see where it took me.

"After a week or so I decided to start a fundraiser.

"I'm overwhelmed by the amount of money people have donated so far."

Bob, who works part-time as a shipping safety specialist for Northern Marine Management, has raised almost £600 and covered well over 500 miles already.

He's managing an average of 15 or 16 every day - and says he may just keep going until his fund reaches £1,000, even when he passes the virtual Land's End mark at 678 miles.

Bob is no stranger to mammoth cycle journeys, having previously made his way from Gothenburg to Oslo, Prague to Berlin and Bratislava to Budapest, among others.

He also completed a Gretna to John O'Groats run in 2011.

Bob said: "It's great to be out in the fresh air, it puts you much more in touch with nature.

"I love cycling along long roads.

"It's nice to see the roads quieter at the moment, so many more people are cycling now.

"If some good comes out of the lockdown, hopefully it will be that it changes people's attitude to the environment."

To donate to Bob's journey, visit https://justgiving.com/fundraising/bobsvirtualtour