Animal lovers complete 24-hour paddle challenge on Loch Beinn a’ Mheadhoin near Glen Affric to raise more than £3k for Munlochy Animal Aid on the Black Isle
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A group of animal-loving friends has completed a 24-hour paddle challenge for Munlochy Animal Aid.
Rohan Andrews, Shirley Maddocks, Jules Burnard and Haley Brown all wanted to support the Black Isle charity which rescues and rehomes animals of all kinds and relies entirely on donations to cover its running costs.
It was unable to host its own annual summer fundraising event this year, leaving the supporters to decide to do what they could to help.
Last week, they took to the waters of Loch Beinn a’ Mheadhoin near Glen Affric on canoes and a paddleboard, braving midges, blisters, strong winds, accidental falls and the cold.
They set off at 4.55pm on the Wednesday, joined by some of the group’s dogs and a support team on the shore.
Over the following 24 hours, the group paddled a total of 68km.
Their efforts resulted in them raising an amazing total of £3200 for MAA – exceeding their original goal of £3000.
As well as thanking all those who donated, they also had a special thank you for nearby shop Cannich Stores which donated gave homemade pies to give them the calorie boost they needed to keep going.
Haley Brown said: "A massive thank you has to go to our support/organising team who thought of everything! Food, physio and logistics were all catered for – you were simply awesome and we couldn’t have achieved our goal without you."
A spokesperson added: "It was fantastic to complete the challenge and to have smashed our fundraising target! We are all exhausted, aching, tired and exhilarated at having succeeded.
"Things became fun out on the water when the dogs joined us. Jules fitted in a few yoga stretches, made a sail out of his jacket then towed us on the end of a throw line!
"We had to give it our all to battle our way back with aching tired muscles."
Ms Maddocks works at the charity and said she sees daily the positive work that it does.
She added: "MAA is important for the TLC of all animals great and small, including veterinary treatment, finding loving new homes and for helping people who need support with their pets."
Animal lovers to take to water
Ms Andrews said: "It was Munlochy Animal Aid that gave me the chance to adopt working springer spaniels and give them a happy home in their retirement years."
Mr Burnard celebrated by jumping in the water when they finished the challenge.
