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Five charities benefit from Highland Cross duathlon


By Gregor White

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James Dunbar of New Start Highland, Miriam Veals of Cantraybridge College, Annabel Mowat of Birchwood Highland, Jenni Campbell (Special Needs Action Project) and Dr Helen Charley, Puffin Pool.
James Dunbar of New Start Highland, Miriam Veals of Cantraybridge College, Annabel Mowat of Birchwood Highland, Jenni Campbell (Special Needs Action Project) and Dr Helen Charley, Puffin Pool.

Participants in this year’s Highland Cross raised the second-highest total in the history of the 50-mile duathlon.

Between them hundreds of competitors raised £286,121 for various charities, bringing the total amount raised over the event’s 37-year history to £5.3 million.

More than 100 volunteers and event sponsors gathered at Hawco Group showroom in Harbour Road, Inverness, to celebrate the handover of funds.

The five main beneficiaries this year are Birchwood Highland (for refurbishments), Cantraybridge College near Croy (for a new adapted minibus), New Start Highland (for a new vehicle), the Special Needs Action Project in Inverness (for a new specially-adapted minibus) and the Puffin Hydrotherapy Pool at Dingwall (to renew its heating and air-handling systems).

Smaller grants totalling £56,000 will be distributed to charities across the Highlands over the next month.

John Fraser, treasurer for the Highland Cross, said the organisers were amazed by this year’s total.

“Highland Cross’s philosophy continues to be that of ensuring that every penny of sponsorship funds goes to Highland Charities as the running costs of the event are met entirely by entry fees, company sponsors and volunteers,” he said.

The top fundraising team, Lovat Lungbusters, raised £6315 and comprised Simon Lovat, Jack Fraser and Max Konig who was unable to make the crossing due to an injury.

The second highest total £6235 was raised by Willie Gray, Katie Gray and Andrew Lilley.

Calum Munro, organising secretary and co-founder, said planning for next year’s event was well under way.

“Some of our supporters have been with us since the start and in some cases, the children and grandchildren of original supporters are now volunteers on the Cross,” he revealed.


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