Inverness man to race from city to summit in aid of hospice
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A FUNDRAISING challenge in memory of his brother will allow a Daviot man to help the charity who looked after him in his last days.
Stephen Moore (31) is taking part in the City to Summit endurance challenge tomorrow (Sunday).
The 20-hour non-stop run and cycle goes from the centre of Edinburgh to the top of Ben Nevis.
They day starts at 4am on the day with a half marathon out from the centre of the Scottish capital and across the Forth Road Bridge to North Queensferry.
It then continues with a 180-kilometre (112 miles) bike ride to Kinlochleven in the west Highlands before participants find themselves back on two feet again for a final marathon-distance assault on Scotland’s highest peak.
Organised by adventure outfit Rat Race the event is open to just 500 people and will be the second time keen fitness fan Mr Moore has taken in the event, previously participating in 2013.
Although he now works as a financial reporting accountant in London Stephen is originally from Daviot and attended the local primary school and Millburn Academy before going on to study at Strathclyde University.
He will be running in aid of Highland Hospice, in thanks for the way they looked after his big brother Ben who sadly died of cancer.
“This is by far the toughest event I’ve ever taken on, and just to complete it will be a major achievement,” he said.
“The reason I’m putting myself through all this is to raise as much money as possible for the Highland Hospice.
“In 2009 my big brother Ben was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.
“He fought the disease for more than a year, undergoing various treatments, but sadly passed away at the age of just 25.
“He spent his final weeks in the care of the Highland Hospice in Inverness, where he could receive the type of care he needed, but also where family could be together.
“The staff were incredible, doing everything they could to make an impossible situation that bit more bearable for everyone.
“The service is heavily reliant on charitable giving, and I want to do what I can to help out.”
Mr Moore’s mum Sally, who still lives in Daviot, will join his wife Lauren on Sunday and the pair will do their best to follow him as closely as possibly en route.
Admitting to feeling a bit nervous about how things will go she said she was also very proud of his willingness to take part for such a great cause.
“He has done the challenge before of course, and completed it fine so I’m sure it will go well,” she said.
“We will be following him in case there’s anything he needs along the way, and also to pick up the bike when he finishes that leg and moves onto the run.
“The last time he did it he took part in aid of Cancer Research UK so it’s good that he’s also able to help out the hospice this time round.
“I’ve told him I hope he gets a good view at the top of Ben Nevis though I know that isn’t always the case.
“I just hope it stays dry for him!”
Mrs Moore said that Ben spent the last few weeks of his life at the hospice and their care had made “a real difference” both for him and the family.
Mr Moore has set up his own fundraising page online and anyone who would like to donate to his effort can do so at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stephen-moore27
