Inverness fundraisers reach new heights for charity
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An intrepid trio of Inverness hikers are planning to trek to Everest Base Camp in May to raise funds for a local charity which helps adults with learning difficulties and disabilities.
Michael Mackenzie, Roddy Mackay and Richie Mason are hoping to complete their 130km round trip next May and have raised more than £2500 so far for the Nansen Highland centre.
Mr Mackay, who is a 36-year-old welding fabricator from Westhill, initially suggested they should raise money for the centre near Beauly because it had helped his brother, 25-year-old Morgan Mackay, who has Down syndrome.
The three friends thought it was a good idea and a worthy cause and Mr Mason, who is a 39-year-old locksmith from Hilton, said: “I’ve always wanted to do Everest and eventually I’d like to attempt the peak.
“I was going to do the Cash For Kids appeal, I’ve raised a lot of money for that but when Roddy said about his brother and the centre I just thought it was a great local charity.”
They are preparing for their epic journey by bagging Munros and have already completed Ben Macdui, which is the second highest at 1309m, the Glen Shiel Seven and the Ring of Steel – although the base camp lies at a much higher altitude of 5380m. Mr Mason said: “We are just trying to keep it hill specific at the moment.”
They are hoping to set off from Inverness Airport at the end of next month and the 130km trek to the base camp and back should take around 10 days.
Mr Mackenzie, who is a 34-year-old production manager from Hilton, is looking forward to the adventure and finds reaching each peak very rewarding.
He said: “You just feel like you are on top of the world. Whatever problems you have back home you don’t think about them.”
They are being helped with their fundraising by another friend, Lee-Anne Turner who is a 38-year-old beautician from Westhill, and a number of charity events have been arranged ahead of the trip.
For more, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/roddymackayrichardmason-andmichaelmackenzie-2 or contact 07535 333427.
