Highland firm steps in to help charities after fundraising event cancelled due to coronavirus
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A Beauly company that regularly supports the annual Highland Cross duathlon is aiming to help charities that lost out when it was cancelled.
Simpson Builders Ltd have arranged a gruelling event of their own – swimming across bitterly cold Loch Ness.
Company director Gordie Simpson said: “We normally take part in the Highland Cross, so when this year’s was cancelled we felt we still wanted to complete a challenge with all funds raised going to the Highland Cross charities.
“I was inspired by my father-in-law, Alistair MacGregor, who at 70 still has a daily swim in a loch at his farm near Spean Bridge. So now a small group plan to complete our Swimming Challenge 2020, swimming across Britain’s largest, by volume, and probably coldest loch.”
Mr Simpson (45) will be joined by colleagues, construction manager Andrew Philips (45) and quantity surveyor Mark McCann (52), father-in-law Mr MacGregor and Mr MacGregor’s daughter Aileen-Anne.
Mr Simpson added: “Myself Andrew and Mark have little experience in long distance or cold water swimming so this certainly will be a challenge.”
He said that despite wearing wet suits, the cold will still be a hazard.
The bold swim over Nessie’s lair is tomorrow. The team will be taken from Dores by boat to the other side of the loch.
Then, at about 10.30am, they will start swimming back.
An appeal has been launched for public support, and sponsorship donations can be made through the JustGiving online website, with a target of raising £1500.
