On 26 September 2022, Billy, Lisa, and Matt from Criterion will embark on a gruelling cycle from Newcastle to Edinburgh over four days to raise money for Waverley Care. Waverley Care is a local charity supporting people affected by HIV or hepatitis C. It is focused on: 

  • Helping the Scottish government to end new HIV transmissions by 2030 

  • Increasing testing 

  • Challenging stigma 

  • Supporting those who need it 

Billy Burnside, Managing Director: 


“We have done a fantastic job supporting Waverley Care for a number of years, especially through the pandemic when fundraising for all charities was a real problem. This year we wanted to try something a bit different and involve as many of our people as we can, not just those doing the cycling! I love a challenge, so cycling that distance will certainly be that. However, it is for a fantastic cause and will be a great opportunity for us all at Criterion to come together and support each other to complete the challenge”. 

On day one of the cycle challenge, the team will begin their journey at the Criterion headquarters in Edinburgh Park and drive to Tynemouth. Then, they will cycle along the coast to the town of Amble - a mere 46 miles. Behind the scenes, the team has been working hard to ensure the cycle not only raises as much money as possible for Waverley Care but also that we are prepared for any accidents or injuries.  

Matthew Dransfield, Commercial and Marketing Director: 


“I’m expecting it to be hard work but fun. I used to cycle regularly but following a bad bike accident when I broke my hip, I haven’t done much since, and it has been ten years. I also had a knee replacement last year, so I imagine it will all hurt. If I am being honest, I’m pretty nervous about the whole thing but looking forward to the challenge and comradery.”  

Lisa Lamont, Marketing Manager: 


“For someone who does not enjoy cycling, I’m not sure why I have signed myself up to this! However, I do love a good challenge and want to support the team and help raise money for the valuable work Waverley Care does.” 

Other Criterion team members: Ben, Gillian, and Nicola, will provide mechanical, medical, and moral support in a nearby vehicle throughout the challenge. 

Day two will see the team cycle from Amble to Beal, a further 43 miles. From here, on day three, the team will head north again to the Scottish town, Dunbar.  

Billy Burnside, Managing Director: 


“It is a challenging course, but one along the Northumberland coast and up the east coast of Scotland to Edinburgh – some of the country’s most beautiful scenery – so that will help pass the time. I know from experience that four days on a bike can be painful, but nothing that two pairs of cycling shorts can’t help!” 

Finally, on day four, the team will finish the challenge with a 36-mile cycle to the finish line at the Criterion headquarters in Edinburgh Park.  

If you want to help the team raise funds for Waverley Care, then you can donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Criterion-176mile-cycle-challenge. We appreciate any contribution you can make – thank you.