Digby Brown supports Grado's Granite to Glasgow Handcycle challenge for Global's Make Some Noise

Wednesday 21st January 2026
Digby Brown staff pictured with Grado across Scotland on various stops of his handcycle challenge

The firm was proud to sponsor Heart Scotland's challenge for Global's Make Some Noise for the second year in a row.

Following Des Clarke’s incredible 52-mile trek from Fife to Glasgow last year, our very own Craig Semple, Marketing Director, set Heart radio presenter Grado a colossal 400km handcycle challenge.

Grado joined forces with Spinal Injuries Scotland (SIS) Peer Support Advisor, Graeme Stewart, and SIS Ambassador, Joanna Martin, to take on the five-day journey from Aberdeen to Glasgow.

Digby Brown knows how much it matters to charities across Scotland to have the support from Global's Make Some Noise, helping those who need it most.

With SIS recently receiving funding from Global’s Make Some Noise, and the fact that Digby Brown has worked closely with SIS for more than two decades, getting involved in this challenge made complete sense.

Day 1

The squad set off early doors from Union Terrace Gardens where they were cheered on by staff from our Aberdeen office including Ciara Boyle and Kimberley McLennan.

Fuelled by butteries, the team took off in high spirits ready to tackle their 88km journey that day.

Digby Brown Aberdeen staff join Grado, Graeme and Joanna at the start line of their Granite to Glasgow Handcycle challenge

 

Day 2

Starting strong leaving Montrose, the team travelled to Perth via Arbroath where Grado sampled a local delicacy – the Arbroath Smokie.

The trio then had a final pit stop before reaching Perth where staff from our Dundee office including our Partners, Brian Castle and Lianda Barnes, gave words of encouragement and even checked Grado’s tyre pressure.

Day 3

Fresh off the back of a 92km day Grado, Graeme and Joanna made their way to Kirkcaldy and surpassed the halfway point of their journey. Met at the finish line by our Partner, Innes Laing, the team heard the news that Digby Brown staff were taking on their own handcycle challenge to further support the charity (more on that later…)

Grado was also transported back to his wrestling roots (well, sort of) when he and Ryan Smith, Partner at our Kirkcaldy office, battled it out in an arm wrestling match…

Day 4

Now onto their longest day yet with a whopping 102km to cover, the squad were serenaded by local brass band Dysart Colliery Silver Band as they took off for Falkirk.

But first, a detour through Edinburgh where Grado was not only reunited with his challenge-setter, our very own Craig Semple, but was also presented with a Flump to fuel the remaining kilometres.

Digby Brown Edinburgh staff join Grado, Graeme and Joanna at their pitstop in The Meadows on their Granite to Glasgow Handcycle challenge

 

Day 5

Setting off from the iconic Falkirk Wheel at an eye-watering 5am, the team set off to tackle the final 44km of the journey, making their way to the Heart Studios in Glasgow.

After several hours, the squad completed the handcycle challenge and were met with rapturous applause from supporters.

Well done Grado, Graeme and Joanna - what an achievement!

Now… did Digby Brown complete their staff handcycle challenge?