Inverness friends help charity with novel hitch-hiking challenge
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Two Inverness friends travelled from Edinburgh to Seville without paying for travel or accommodation in aid of charity.
Charity workers Ben Ferguson (20) and Owen Hope (20) came up with the unusual fundraising idea in order to help Inverness-based SNAP (Special Needs Action Project) and Edinburgh disability project The Yard.
During university holidays, the friends work and volunteer at the SNAP project based in Drummond School, which provides activities for children and young people living with disabilities between the age of five and 30.
Explaining the 2000-mile challenge, Mr Ferguson, who is studying accountancy and finance at Herriot Watt University, said: “After starting in Edinburgh on January 6, we arrived in Seville on January 12. We did this purely by hitch-hiking and spending no money on accommodation or travel.
“We covered more than 2000 miles and got 28 lifts from some incredible people."
They completed the trip in six days and are now thinking ahead to their next fundraising challenge.
“We also thought we may as well take the opportunity to try to raise a bit more money on top of the fundraising by running the Edinburgh Half Marathon in May.
“The money raised will benefit both places in so many ways. SNAP can use the money to make their services even more enjoyable and fund weekend trips away for the children. The Yard will use the money to go towards their amazing services but also to upgrade their inclusive play centre.
“Having seen first-hand how much SNAP and The Yard mean to the children, young adults and parents, I can truly say that it is worthwhile making a donation to help support these two incredible charities. The sense of community they generate is so strong, and that’s one of the things I love most.”
Mr Owen, who studies social anthropology and geography at St Andrews University, said: “It was a great challenge and an opportunity to raise money for two worthwhile projects. So far we have raised £1600 and the money is still coming in.”
To make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ben-ferguson
