A GROUP of motorcyclists has received the blessing of Scottish folk duo The Proclaimers and now look set to launch one of the year’s most unlikely attempts at making the pop charts.

The Boundary 500 Motorcycle group has enlisted the help of North-East band The Happy Cats, fronted by ex-Lindisfarne vocalist Marty Craggs, in re-recording I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles), which was originally recorded by the Reid twins, Craig and Charlie - better known as The Proclaimers.

Sales of the song, which was launched at the Angel of the North on Saturday, will raise money for two of the region’s charities, the Great North Air Ambulance Service and Zoë’s Place Baby Hospice.

Brian Laverick, leader of the Boundary 500 group, said: “It’s been a lot of hard work putting this together, but the end product is something I think we can be really proud of. We even got the thumbs up from The Proclaimers themselves.

“Song sales of about 3,000 in the week should see us enter the top 40 which would be a phenomenal achievement in itself, but would also raise lots of money for these two great charities.”

The lyrics of the song have been changed to reflect the bikers’ dedication to the two causes, and the song itself has been given the new title, I’m Gonna Ride (500 Miles).

Mark Guidery, chief executive at Zoë’s Place, said: “Brian and his group continue to amaze us with their fundraising efforts. We hope residents of the region get behind the group’s latest efforts and provide a real boost to our fundraising in the run up to Christmas.”

The Boundary 500 was established to support GNAAS and takes its name from the approximate distance around the boundary area of the air ambulance charity. Every year, bikers from the group ride the 500 mile journey to boost fundraising.

Grahame Pickering, chief executive of GNAAS, said: “The charities get a donation for every single sold, so we are hoping all our supporters get behind this fantastic fundraiser.”

The group has raised more than £300,000 for GNAAS and £100,000 for Zoë’s Place since it began.

In a statement, Charlie and Craig Reid, of the Proclaimers, said: “Our very best wishes to the Happy Cats’ fundraising campaign and to everyone participating in the 500 mile ride, well done to all.”

The song is available for 79p via iTunes from Monday, and in CD and DVD format for £3 at www.greatnorthairambulance.co.uk/shop

 

Lyrics to I’m Gonna Ride (500 Miles)

 

When I wake up yeah I know I'm gonna be I'm gonna be the man who rides out next to you

When I go out yeah I know I'm gonna be I'm gonna be the man who rides along with you

If I get hurt yes I know I'm gonna be I'm gonna be the man who gets flown home by you

And if I sponser yeah I know I'm gonna be I'm gonna be the man who's sponsored you

But I would ride 500 miles

And I would ride 500 more

Just to be the man who rode1000 miles

To park outside your door

When I'm working yes I know I'm gonna be I'm gonna be the man who's working hard for you

And when the money comes in for the ride I'll do I'll pass every penny on to you

When I come back yeah I know I'm gonna be I'm gonna be the man who rides back home to you

And if I grow old well I know I'm gonna be I'm gonna be the man who's growing old with you

But I would ride 500 miles

And I would ride 500 more

Just to be the man who rode 1000 miles

To park outside your door

When I'm solo yes I know I'm gonna be I'm gonna be the man whose riding without you

When I'm dreaming yes I know I'm gonna dream, dream about the time when I'm with you.

But I would ride 500 miles

And I would ride 500 more

Just to be the man who rode 1000 miles

To park outside your door

And when I see it when I see it flying by I know Im gonna be the man who rode to keep it flying high

Cos I rode 500 miles and would ride 500 more

Just to be the man who kept that bird on flying by

But I would ride 500 miles

And I would ride 500 more

Just to be the man who rode 1000 miles

To park outside your door