Mum’s care inspires Ness Factor entry for Moira Black who is raising funds for Highland Hospice
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One Inverness woman has seen first hand the kind of care provided by Highland Hospice after staff looked after her mother.
Moira Black, who is 45 and originally moved to the Highland capital five years ago, is one of the nine finalists taking part in the charity’s Ness Factor singing competition.
She said that she entered the contest because her mother, Geraldine Black, had received such brilliant care and love while she was being cared for by the hospice.
“My mum was admitted to the hospice in November of 2021 and sadly my dear mum passed away on January 31,” she said.
“That’s why I put in for Ness Factor to thank the Highland Hospice for the care mum received – they went above and beyond for our mum and this is my thank you to them by raising funds for this great cause.”
Ms Black said the second reason for entering was so her sons – 24-year-old Euan Black and eight-year-old Riley MacLennan – and 55-year-old partner Kevin MacLennan could see her sing properly.
She moved to the city from Alness after her son Riley was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, so they could be nearer to Raigmore Hospital.
Unfortunately Riley relapsed in May last year with a rare form of leukaemia, for which he received a stem cell transplant last September.
She said: “I’m a carer for Riley for now until things get better for him.”
She is also doing the competition for herself and her own confidence in singing once more. She added: “I want to be part of something that’s very close to my heart, and to meet new people who like me have lost their confidence in singing and maybe had loved ones who had care at the hospice also – to raise money for the hospice while having fun too.”
So far she has organised a few fundraisers through Facebook and one of her friends organised a few large bingo games for the cause.
She said: “Also Kevin, my partner, and his cousin Lorraine, who is the manager of the Co-ops in Alness and Invergordon, raised an incredible £700.
“Also some very kind friends and family have donated to my page.”
Ms Black said she was hoping to arrange more fundraising events.
“We are organising a fun pool competition and still have a few things to do to raise more funds,” she said.
“The singing is going good and my voice coach, Fiona, is amazing and makes you feel relaxed.”
She said she felt she would be nervous on the night but also excited to take part to help the hospice.
She added: “Plus it’s the 1987 era we will be covering as it is the 35th anniversary of the Highland Hospice, so hopefully everyone enjoys the songs.”
As well as Ms Black the other finalists are: Fiona Clark, Stephen Laurie, Lisa Gray, Jennifer Urquhart, Donna Fraser, Andrew Gill, Caitlin Farquhar and Gregor Matheson.
They are spending the next few months training ahead of the event due to be staged on Saturday, November 12 at the Drumossie Hotel in Inverness.
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