Dr Graham’s Homes ~ Dr Graham’s Homes

If you follow the DGHUK instagram, you’ve probably seen our recent dispatches on BikeforDGH.

This epic biennial event sees a batch of supporters journeying several hundred miles across the Himalayas to raise funds for Dr Graham’s Homes.

This year, the ride started in Kathmandu, Nepal, and finished six days later on the school campus where our sponsored children live and study.

As you’d expect, everyone was very excited to greet them. Not least Caroline Taylor, the DGHUK Minutes Secretary, who was on site to witness their arrival. In the latest part of her DGH Diary, Caroline explains why the cyclists were fundraising and what unfolded on the day…

350 miles for a new arena

It’s Monday 21st September 2026. Just another day, you might say. No getting away from the fact that the weekend is over and it’s back to work and it’s a long time till Friday. “Just another manic Monday”, as the Bangles once sang.

“Manic”? Well, not exactly. But excitement in the air? Definitely!

We were waiting for the cyclists to arrive. Not just any cyclists though. Two women and seven men who had cycled 350 gruelling miles all the way from Kathmandu to Kalimpong to raise more funds for an exciting development at the school – the transformation of the Betty Sheriff basketball arena (currently open to the elements) to a multipurpose enclosed space suitable for more than just sporting activities.

Pipe band and gathering crowds

As the time drew near, the size of the crowd increased, the school pipe band struck up a rousing rendition of “Scotland the Brave” (a favourite with pipe bands everywhere!) and the road through the campus – normally open to local traffic – was closed so the bikers could be welcomed in style, with nothing barring their way (this was taken care of by the school’s security staff).

Scarves, smiles – and a special bond

Then – a rush of movement in two opposite directions! Riders from one and pedestrians on the other. As the cyclists braked, well wishers pressed forward to greet them and place scarves around their necks. I’d been given a scarf – and for a few moments thought I was never going to get near enough the heroes of the hour to give it away. Then suddenly there was one of the women – still with no scarf – right in front of me, so our eyes met and the scarf was ceremoniously draped around her neck. It was only the next day that I discovered her name was Carolyn – giving us a bond, possibly the only thing we have in common! I doubt whether I could cycle up the “brae” (Scots word for a small steep-ish street) near our house!

Inspiration for the future

I can’t express how impressed I was by their level of fitness. Not one got off their bike as if it was the last thing they’d ever do! I hope they all felt it was well worth the training they put in back home. I hope the camaraderie is something they’ll treasure forever.

I hope you might be moved to sponsor them. I certainly was!

And, going back to the reason they did it – with the new Betty Sheriff enclosed space, all of the pupils will be able to gather together for landmark events like the annual Birthday Celebrations... of which more in my next diary piece.

Could you support the cyclists’ efforts? 💙

If so, they would be incredibly grateful – and every little donation, however small, will be much appreciated. You can donate to the cause through this website. Just hop over to the Donate page. Please make sure you tick the BikeforDGH option so we know where to direct your funds. Thank you so much for your support!