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Beat the Sun 2026
On Saturday the 20th of June 2026, the Summer Solstice, 17 cyclists set off at 4.10am from Peterhead Harbour with two missions: BEAT THE SUN and raise vital funds for GEF.
After 18 hours in the saddle, 14 short stops (5–20 minutes), and countless turns of those pedals to ride 375 km across mainland Scotland from east to west, every rider reached Ardnamurchan Lighthouse to watch the sunset at 10.20pm.
The camaraderie was beautiful, the local communities were hugely supportive, and generous pitstops helped fuel the riders such as KJ's Bothy Bakery (Grantown on Spey), Ashers (Aviemore) and Wolftrax Cafe (Laggan).
From sweaty hugs and singalongs, to hand feeding Bounty bars when one cyclist thought he couldn't go on, the team spirit was an experience to be proud of.
We're thrilled to announce an incredible fundraising total of £20,098 for GEF
These funds will make a real difference. In Scotland we'll provide a special needs stroller for a boy with cerebral palsy who can mobilise but struggles for long periods. The stroller will give him the chance to rest on outings with his family - also increasing the number of outings they can go on. In Kenya we’ll replace awful sleeping conditions for a mother and two children with new beds and mattresses.
It won't stop there; we look forward to sharing more impact stories in the coming months.
Thank you to our event sponsors, CNRL, supporters Jim Reid, Arnold Clark, Creative Core, Kilchoan Hotel and Ardnamurchan Bunkhouse, and our support team who were there every minute of the way, it wouldn't have been possible without you all. And to our cyclists... Take a bow! There aren't enough ways to say thank you to you, what an amazing achievement you have done in the name of others.
Beat The Sun 2027
We will return for a 3rd year, and you could be part of this epic endurance ride, taking place over on June 12th, 2027.
Our cyclists will set off from Peterhead Harbour and pass through Keith, Aberlour, Aviemore, and Glenfinnan, with the final stretch featuring steep climbs around Ben Laga, offering stunning views of Skye and the Cuillin Hills.
The journey—powered by determination, breathtaking scenery, and community spirit—will raise funds for GEF projects supporting children and families in both Kenya and north-east Scotland.
If you’ve got the legs — and the heart — now’s the time. Join us and Beat the Sun.
There is a non-refundable entrance fee to cover the costs of the support vehicles, food and shared accommodation (in the Kilchoan Hotel and Kilchoan Estate Bunkhouse) available to you on the day, and transport back to Aberdeen or Peterhead the following day. You will also receive a unique cycling top and some other mementos.
Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities and Corporate Team Participation available. For more info please get in touch Kayleigh@gathimbaedwardsfoundation.org.
Beat The Sun 2025: the impact.
In August 2025 Stephen and his family lost their home and all their belongings in a devastating fire. In the aftermath, they were separated—moving between neighbours’ and relatives’ homes. Life was already challenging, with both parents battling ill health but, despite everything, Stephen continued to achieve outstanding marks in high school and believes he can help change his family’s future for the better.
Thanks to Beat the Sun, GEF has now been able to build a small safe and secure two-bedroom house for Stephen and his parents.
Beat the Sun enabled GEF to fund a reinforced, extra durable bed designed for children with autism and other additional needs who may have challenging behaviours. The bed is designed to be virtually indestructible to prevent harm and create a secure and calm sleep environment for the child it has been purchased for.
This was a new application we had in recently and thanks to you guys we were able to act fast to help this family.
A psychoeducation seminar for parents and guardians supported by GEF, will aim to strengthen parenting responsibility, emotional connection, and understanding of children’s psychological needs. The seminar will also empower parents and guardians to take greater emotional and financial responsibility and provide more supportive home environments.
As a result, families are expected to experience improved relationships, reduced dependency on external aid, and better coping mechanisms among children.
Christine, cared for her grandchildren and children without a stable job, and her family previously lived in a small thatched structure at the side of a road waiting for the government to build them a house that never happened. Her brother had a ½ acre plot of land there which he had planned to give to his child when they grew up but sadly the child passed away.
In order to give the family the best chance of a new start, GEF was able to build them a small-ish basic house on the plot and will continue to support the children in their new school. As a result of their move, they have told us they will no longer need support with monthly food as their land will provide them with all they need.
This is brilliant, and ultimately the place we hope every family can get to. Beat the Sun riders helped this happen.
Beat the Sun supported 23-year old Mohammed to attend college where he is in year 2 studying electrical engineering. Mohammed and his twin brother were left orphaned at a young age following the death of their parents in a road accident and due to illness in close succession. They were left in the care of their uncle who provided them with food and shelter but was unable to afford their education costs.
Separately you have supported 18 years old Joseph in his final year of college, studying Motor Vehicle Technology. In 2014, Joseph lost both his parents. At just 8 years old, he was sleeping on polythene sheets and sharing a cramped space with his brother and partner. Thanks to the support of the GEF community, everything changed in changed 2015, when we were able to provide him with a home that would provide him with safety and stability. Today Joseph’s hard work is paying off and he excited for his promising future as a mechanic.
Mohammed and Joseph are two of the 50 children GEF currently support without a monthly sponsor. These cases are possible for us to support because of fundraisers, grants and kind donations like yourself.
Beat the Sun 2025 funded 1 year of salaries for 2 social workers in Kenya.
It also paid for 4 months’ salary for GEF’s part-time North-East Scotland support co-ordinator who does an array of vital work including signposting, spending time with families, and taking them places.
