Husky trek across Lapland see thousands of pounds raised for Highland Hospice
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Two brave women have raised nearly £12,000 for Highland Hospice in an epic husky-driven trek across Lapland.
Suzanna MacDonald and Jenny Keys spent several days earlier this month navigating their dogs across the frozen tundra and sleeping under the stars.
Their fundraising efforts – which will go towards helping Highland Hospice provide care for terminally ill patients – saw a staggering £11,700 raised.
Suzi (47), of Kirkhill, lost her first husband Roddy Matheson seven years ago to cancer when he was aged just 52-years-old.
She said the Highland Hospice enabled him to stay at home during his illness and provided home-based care to the family and friends until the day he passed away.
Suzi said they then helped me her dealing with her bereavement.
She said: "My late husband was diagnosed with cancer a week before our daughter Abby was born.
"And he underwent his first load of operations when she was just weeks old.
"He was given the all clear in October 2013 and then in March 2014 he developed a bad cough and we got the news that he was terminal.
"He never wanted to go into the hospice. He wanted to be at home. So we had a hospital bed at home.
"The hospice came out to us and made sure he got his wish.
"After he passed away I used the bereavement service.
"I live for the hospice now. They fulfilled my husband's last wish."
Suzi and Jenny spent several days in the north of Finland earlier this month being whisked about on dog-driven sleds and described it was a "once in a life-time adventure" which they will never forget.
Suzi said: "It was challenging but one of the best things I've ever done.
"It takes you right out your comfort zone.
"One night it was down to minus 32 [degrees Celsius].
"It was really tough but so rewarding in so many ways."
Meanwhile physiotherapist Jenny (42), also of Kirkhill, has also personally felt loss due to cancer but also has seen the good work that the hospice carries out across the Highlands.
Jenny said: "It was once in life-time experience.
"I've always kind of done a lot with Suzi and her late husband.
"Sadly in the last couple of years I've lost friends and family to cancer too.
"It makes you realise how important these hospice services are."
Jenny added: "The dogs are like athletes.
"You're just in awe of what they do.
"The other challenge was dealing with the cold. You're camping out on frozen lakes and such.
"It was just great. I would recommend it to anyone."
Donations can still be made online here.
