Gavin - the Grand Slam winner, British Lions captain and best Scottish rugby full-back of his generation – plumped for a mountain bike.
He had joined forces with ScotRail’s lost property team to compete in the First Mini Monster Challenge on a bike left behind on train services or at stations.
He had six to choose from among hundreds of lost property items at Glasgow Queen Street Station destined to go to charity because they have not been claimed after three months.
Carla Rinaldi, a communications assistant at ScotRail, also selected a bike from lost property.
In the last month alone, more than 300 items have been handed in – including 44 mobile phones; 20 wallets, purses and handbags, 15 bank cards – and a tent; two ski sticks, and window blinds – and, appropriately, three wooden trains.
There is also a Celtic season ticket, Elvis DVDs, spectacles by the dozen, and even a cowboy hat.
Gavin Hastings, a leading supporter of First Mini Monster Challenge, said: “It’s amazing what people leave behind. The clothing alone would probably kit out everyone who takes part in the fun event for all the family.”
He continued: “I am looking forward to taking on the Mini Monster at Pollok Park on June 14. Last year’s event was brilliant – it was great to get my wife and kids involved. This year promises to be even bigger and better and hopefully lots of people will raise money for Save the Children and other charities.”
Carla added: “I hope this encourages people to collect all their belongings before alighting from our trains.”
Entry to the Glasgow First Mini Monster Challenge is only £5 per person (or £20 per team), with 25% of the entry fee being donated to First’s charity partner, Save the Children. To register a team or for more information log on to www.firstmonster.com
Hosted and organised by Aberdeen based transport giant, FirstGroup, the First Mini Monster Challenge is aimed at everyone regardless of age and fitness. The event comprises two relay races, one for families and one for adults. The family race will see teams of four complete two running sections, each 1.5km long, and two 5km cycling sections. In the adult event teams of four will also take on two runs and two cycles – the run will be 3km and the cycle 10km. In both races, each team member will complete one leg only.
Glasgow will be one of five cities throughout the UK to host a First Mini Monster Challenge. Aberdeen, Leeds, Manchester and Bristol will also stage an event.
For requests for photographs or further information, please contact
Carla Rinaldi, Communications Assistant: 0141 335 5156 / carla.rinaldi@firstgroup.com
Iain Wilson, Head of Media Relations: 0141 335 4565 / iain.wilson@firstgroup.com
2009 First Monster Events
| Venue | Date |
Friends & Family |
Adult Race Start Time |
Location |
| Aberdeen Mini Monster | 7 June | 10am | 11.30am | Hazelhead Park |
| Glasgow Mini Monster | 14 June | 10am |
11.30am |
Pollok Country Park |
| Manchester Mini Monster | 28 June | 10am | 11.30am | Philips Park |
| Yorkshire Mini Monster | 5 July | 10am | 11.30am | Rounday Park, Leeds |
| Bristol Mini Monster | 12 July | 10am | 11.30am | The Downs |
| First Monster Challenge | 12 September |
N/A | 7am | Loch Ness, Inverness |
NOTES TO EDITORS
FirstGroup plc is the leading transport operator in the UK and North America with annualised revenues of over £6 billion a year. We employ approximately 136,000 staff and transport some 2.5 billion passengers a year.
UK Bus
The Group is Britain’s largest bus operator running more than one in five of all local bus services. A fleet of nearly 9,000 buses carries approximately 3 million passengers a day in more than 40 major towns and cities.
UK Rail
The Group operates one quarter of the UK passenger rail network, with a balanced portfolio of intercity, commuter and regional services, carrying some 285 million passengers per annum.
The Group is the UK’s largest rail operator with four passenger franchises - First Capital Connect, First Great Western, First ScotRail and First TransPennine Express - and one open access operator, Hull Trains.
The Group operates rail freight services through First GBRf and operates the Croydon Tramlink network on behalf of Transport for London carrying nearly 28 million passengers a year.
North America
In North America the Group has four operating divisions: Yellow School Buses (First Student), Transit Contracting and Management Services (First Transit), Vehicle Fleet Maintenance and Support Services (First Services) and intercity coach services (Greyhound). Headquartered in Cincinnati, FirstGroup America Inc. operates across the US and Canada.
Europe
In mainland Europe we operate some 150 buses in south west Germany and, with our partner DSB, we operate the Øresund rail franchise which includes routes in and between Denmark and Sweden.
Save the Children
Save the Children is the world’s independent children’s charity. We’re outraged that millions of children are still denied proper healthcare, food, education and protection. We’re working flat out to get every child their rights and we’re determined to make further, faster changes. How many? How fast? It’s up to you.
www.savethechildren.org.uk
