Muir of Ord man gives back to Highland hospice
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FUNDRAISING has got off to a good start for a Muir of Ord man who is a finalist in this year’s Ness Factor singing competition.
The final of the annual contest, in aid of Highland Hospice, will be held on November 12 at the Drumossie Hotel in Inverness.
Gregor Matheson, who is a self-employed car mechanic but also a full-time single dad, is one of nine finalists.
The 43-year-old said he had already taken his fundraising buckets to the local Muir of Ord gala, adding: “Being a local lad, I know a lot of people in the village so managed to get a good few donations there.
“Also, at my local gym which I am a member of, NV2 Fitness and Nutrition in Muir of Ord, we had a summer games event.
“I explained to members that I would be taking part in this year’s Ness Factor and raising money and again people generously donated – I had to sing a couple of songs for them.
“Also, several donations were gratefully received at North of Scotland Kart Club where my children race once a month. Thanks to all our karting family there for donations.”
His main fundraising event will be a two-day charity car wash, in the Muir of Ord village square on Saturday, October 15, and Sunday, October 16.
He said: “I’m expecting it to be a busy weekend. Big thanks also to local folk who will help me organise this.”
Mr Matheson said that as a family they had suffered loss – he has two children, 13-year-old Ella and nine-year-old Harry who lost their mum a couple of years ago.
He said: “We have suffered loss in the family and it has been very tough the last few years – also with having close friends and family use the services of the Highland Hospice – I wanted to do something positive and give something back to such a fantastic charity. The work they do is amazing.
“Growing up with music in my family and doing a little singing myself over the years, I thought this was a great opportunity to push me out of my comfort zone and also raise money for a fantastic charity.”
He said his singing was coming along well under the guidance of vocal coach Tony Henry, who is mentoring him ahead of the final, adding: “He is helping me and guiding me through the process with lots of vocal training to do at Highland Voices and at home.
“We have also had a few group training sessions with the other contestants and it has been great fun.”
As well as Mr Matheson, the other finalists are Stephen Laurie, Lisa Gray, Jennifer Urquhart, Fiona Clark, Donna Fraser, Andrew Gill, Caitlin Farquhar and Moira Black.
They are all hoping to sing their way to stardom at this year’s charity show – the winner will take home a grand prize of a performance slot at Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival 2023.
As well as Mr Henry, the finalists are being coached by Katy-Louise Mackay and Fiona Forbes and they will spend the next few weeks training ahead of the event.
It is the fifth year of the competition and also the 35th year of the hospice, making this show extra special.
On the night, there will be a commemorative address along with guest performances and an auction.
n Anyone wishing to book a table, email lornagh@siegel.co.uk
