Elgin mountain biker wins trophy created in memory of Elliot Robbins from Outfit Moray
A 14-year-old mountain biker from Elgin has become the first winner of a trophy created in memory of a charity worker who died from cancer last year.
Academy pupil Lucas Burnett cycled for 17 hours and braved snowy temperatures of -14C to win Outfit Moray’s inaugural Elliot Robbins Memorial Trophy.
Outfit Moray fundraiser Karen Cox said: “When Elliot passed away in August, shortly after being diagnosed, we wanted to create something positive to celebrate his zest for life and adventure.
“He had a passion for encouraging young people, including his own children, into outdoor adventure, especially mountain biking. So a memorial trophy felt like the perfect fit.”
The trophy was created by Elgin & District Men’s Shed using recycled bike parts.
It was presented to Lucas after the Strathpuffer, an endurance event that has been held near the Highland village of Strathpeffer for the past two decades.
The plan now is to continue to present it to the young person who most reflects Elliot’s commitment and community spirit across the whole Strathpuffer weekend.
Tony Brown, Outfit Moray’s CEO, said: "Each year our young people show incredible resilience and stamina to participate in this event.
“Even some adults baulk at getting out of their sleeping bags to cycle 12km in the snow and freezing darkness, so we are always incredibly proud of how the youngsters conduct themselves and represent us.
“Deciding on a winner for the Elliot Robbins Memorial Trophy was understandably difficult, but Lucas was chosen because of his unbounding enthusiasm, determination and spirit of adventure."
The efforts of other young riders – Lucy Main, Austin Richardson, Charlie Furness-Smith, Lucas Burnett, Michael McCafferty, Sam McIntyre, Calum MacDonald, Lachlan MacDonald, Isla Esson, Lorna Brown, Isla Hay and Josh Whitefoot – were also praised.
Faye Robbins, Elliot’s widow, says: “I am so appreciative that Outfit Moray thought to create something so very poignantly appropriate that it would have completely blown Elliot’s mind.
“He would never in a million years thought his ripple would live on in such a manner. The award encapsulates so much of his life ethos.”