Catwalk for a Cause topic of conversation at Macdonald Drumossie Hotel, Inverness
Executive Business lunches don’t normally bring me to tears, however, this one was slightly different.
Settled in at our venue, Macdonald Drumossie Hotel, our topic this month was the Catwalk for a Cause event in aid of Highland Hospice.
The event which takes place on February 11 2023 at the Drumossie Hotel, sees brave models who have faced life-changing circumstances take to the stage to tell their stories and model fashion from The Highland Hospice boutiques.
We discussed this worthy cause while having a decadent four-course meal, in the Drumossie Hotel’s tranquil restaurant.
Kicking off our conversation about Catwalk for a Cause, was event organiser and owner of The Head Gardener, Alison McRitchie.
She said: “We began catwalk styled events a number of years ago, each time growing in both ideas and guests attending. Every year has always been a sell-out.
“In 2020 I heard a comment made by Steve Bland from the award winning podcast YOUMEANDTHEBIGC in relation to the wealth of information that is available when we bring life into the world, so then should we not have access to the same quality of information when we are at end of life care?
“This comment resonated with me, so we decided to hold Highland Hearts of Gold, which brought four charities together –Maggies, Macmillan, Highland Hospice and Marie Curie. The charities nominated individuals to tell their stories in the hope that if everyone attending learned one thing and told others, then more folk would receive the help they deserve when they need it most.
“Catwalk for a Cause is now the result of some of those stories and the unbelievable legacy left by Dame Deborah James.
“I was so utterly inspired by Dame Deborah, her zest for life and sheer determination to defy all odds, the epitome of Rebellious Hope.
“After losing my own sister with bowel cancer, and my niece Meghane losing her mum at the same age as Eloise (Dame Deborah James’ daughter), I contacted Steve Bland and invited both himself and Lauren Mahon to return to the Highlands and be our special guests, paying tribute to Dame Deborah James (Aka Bowelbabe).
“I am in a privileged position in the job I do, where by I hear stories almost everyday of similar strength, hope, courage, and inspiration, and I wanted to pay tribute to those individuals.”
The sell-out event is gearing up to be a touching evening, with all the money raised to be split between Highland Hospice and a new charity campaign The End of Life Together. This has been made possible due to the event sponsor MKM Building Supplies, providing its support for the event to run.
Alison said: “The End of Life Together encapsulates everything Steve Bland spoke of both in the podcast and on his last visit, therefore fitting perfectly with Catwalk for a Cause and the money raised remaining locally.”
Highland Hospice fundraiser, Emma Nicol explained more about The End of Life Together campaign: “End of Life Care Together is a partnership of organisations across voluntary, health and social care including Highland Hospice, NHS Highland, Marie Cure Cancer Care and Macmillan Cancer Relief.
“We’re committed to improving care towards the end of life for all by signposting individuals to the correct service to fulfil their personal wishes towards the end of their life.
“We want to make sure that the money raised goes to local charities and local people.
“We have a cross-section of people telling stories on the night. There are people who have had life-changing diagnosis, families who have lost loved ones, and others who have worked closely with people with a diagnosis.”
Speaking about the auction on the night of the event, Alison said: “We have had the most amazing auction items donated. This is due to the incredible kindness and generosity of the good folk of the Highlands and beyond, for which we are eternally grateful.
“The auction will go live at the end of January with items such as: three nights in Rome; a private dining experience with Masterchef finalist Sarah Rankin; and a one-hour private flight taking in the beautiful views of the Highlands, just to name a few.”
Catwalk for a Cause is a particularly special event for the staff at the, Drumossie Hotel, due to a much a loved and missed member of their team.
Operations manager at the Drumossie, Kat Wardrop, said: “Its a very important event for the hotel.
“Our head porter Charlie who was at the Drumossie for a very long time, ended up at the Hospice.
“It is very close to the hotel’s heart.
“Everyone has their own personal stories, whether that’s positive or like Charlie’s. But it’s about the care and support people receive in the lead up to that.”
For Graeme Macleod, branch director at MKM Building Supplies it was important for the business to support Catwalk for a Cause, but for himself it has an even deeper meaning: “Our founder’s motto is great customer service”, he explained.
“Supporting local people is our ethos, and we have been looking to help something local since we opened in July last year. This came along and we thought it was perfect.
“On a personal note, everyone is affected by it.
“Both my co-director and myself have gone through it with our mum’s and my granny too so it is a matter close to the heart.
“My mum passed away in 2020, and I didn’t realise how strong she was until she went through this battle.
“I think the stories that are told will be crucial. If you can pass on a story and it helps other people, then it’s great, as you know you are not in it by yourself.
“Highland Hospice does great work, so it is a no-brainer for us to sponsor it.”
Speaking about other events that Highland Hospice are doing, Emma said: “We are doing a trek in Croatia next year.
“We will be doing the equivalent of Ben Nevis four days in a row.
“We have 18 ladies going out, two of whom are going through cancer themselves.
“The support of all the other ladies has been great for them.
“Everyone has been training but I’ve not so I need to work on that.”
Highland Hospice also normally does the famous abseil or zip-line from Kessock Bridge. However, this will take a hiatus in 2023, with some plans underway to do something different for rebels-with-a-cause.
“We are planning on doing something around Loch Ness”, said Emma.
“The plans are still underway but it will definitely be for the thrill-seeker and we have a few options up our sleeve.”
The team at Drumossie Hotel take a deep sense of satisfaction in holding charity events.
Events manager at the Drumossie, Anna Smith, said: “We recently held Ness Factor which was also aid in of Highland Hospice, and it was great to see everyone have a good time.
“Creating charity events like these is really special to all of us here at the Drumossie, from the chefs cooking dinner, to the housekeeping team taking care of guests – we make sure that it goes smoothly.
“The work that charities do for people in our local area is truly inspirational. We feel privileged to be able to partner with them in that, by providing a welcoming space for everyone."
