Cancer survivor from Alness tackled Fyrish eight times for mental health charity
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AN Alness woman recently celebrated eight years free of cancer by climbing an iconic local landmark and raising £2215 in the process.
Polly Melville (24) climbed Fyrish hill eight times on July 3 to mark her milestone.
She was diagnosed with Hodkins Lymphoma at just 14 years old, but is now healthy and happy.
Miss Melville thought she should also raise money with the challenge, and chose to support a charity close to her heart, James Support Group.
The charity, based on the Black Isle, helps people who have lost someone to suicide or are struggling with mental health issues.
They helped the family of her close friend, Fraser More, after he sadly took his own life.
The challenge went well and Polly was joined by friends and family up and down the steep climb, which resulted in her covering 32 miles and doing 71,000 steps.
Polly said: "I am absolutely blown away with the fact we raised an incredible £2,215 for the amazing James Support Group. No amount of thanks will ever be enough to show how much I appreciate everyone who donated to this wonderful charity, and also to the people who took time out of their day to join us.
"Sunday was a very emotional yet heartwarming day with some of my favourite people in the world making an appearance.
"Our friend Fraser was adored by so many people, and he is missed so much every day. It still doesn’t feel real sometimes, but this walk was all for him. He would’ve probably given up after 1 climb then sat comfy with a drink at the bottom.
"Thank you to every single person who has donated, joined in, and sent words of encouragement over the last few days.
"I’ve been through a lot in my wee life so far, but today has been one of the hardest but most rewarding things I’ve ever done. So lucky to be surrounded by such kind and lovely people."
