Get ready for Ness Factor glitz in Inverness on Saturday in aid of Highland Hospice
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Organisers are looking forward to the final of Ness Factor on Saturday.
A total of nine finalists are hoping to hit the right notes at this year’s charity show at the Drumossie Hotel in Inverness.
This year, the winner will take home a grand prize of a performance slot at Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival 2023.
All funds raised will be donated to Highland Hospice and the finalists are: Caitlin Farquhar, Stephen Laurie, Lisa Gray, Jennifer Urquhart, Fiona Clark, Donna Fraser, Andrew Gill, Moira Black and Gregor Matheson.
Hospice fundraiser Emma Nicol said: “The contestants are all working really hard perfecting their performances for the live final as well as fundraising for Highland Hospice.
“They’ve put on a variety of fundraising events and had lots of fun along the way. Thanks to everyone who has come along and supported and all our amazing corporate sponsors for their support. Guests are in for a fabulous evening of entertainment being transported back to 1987 when the hospice first opened its doors and began serving our community by helping to provide people living with a life-shortening illness in the Highlands with the best possible care, enabling them to enjoy the life they have left, cherish the things that matter most to them and die with the dignity they deserve.
“On the night Highland Hospice will celebrate 35 years with a special address to the audience and an impressive grand auction.”
If you would like to bid on any of the items in the auction and support the hospice, visit www.highlandhospiceauction35.com
Ms Nicol said: “We can’t wait to watch everyone in the spotlight and see who will be crowned our Ness Factor 2022 winner and take to the stage at Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival next year.”
Finalist Lisa Miller said: “I am really enjoying my fundraising and Ness Factor journey. It’s been brilliant to bring all of my family and friends together to raise essential funds in a fun way.”
She said that her fundraising quiz was a great success, adding: “I’m so grateful to everyone that has contributed money so far, and I’m truly appreciative of the kindness that many local businesses have shown by way of raffle prizes.”
Fellow finalist, Jennifer Urquhart, said she still had a few fundraising efforts on the go this week – including a Lucky Squares competition.
She said: “I am really looking forward to the final – especially singing the group song – as the best thing about this whole experience has been getting to know the other contestants and the coaches.”
Fellow finalist Fiona Clark said that Smithton Primary School held a wear yellow day and she visited an assembly with hospice mascot Bobby the Bee.
She said she was both nervous and excited ahead of the final, adding: “I’d like to thank Paterson and Patterson solicitors for being my sponsor too.”
And finalist Gregor Matheson said his fundraising had gone well and his car wash event had raised £1850.
He added: “I am feeling good in the run up to the event, although a little nervous.
“A big thanks to everyone who has donated so far, the guys who helped at the car wash, my mum and dad, Logic Alarm Systems for being my corporate sponsor and my children Ella and Harry for putting up with all my singing practice in the house.”
The finalists have been helped in teams of three by singing coaches Tony Henry, Katy-Louise Mackay and Fiona Forbes.
There will be a commemorative address, guest performances and an auction at the event.
