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Inverness woman completes second ‘climb’ of Mount Everest in aid of Highland Hospice


By Val Sweeney

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Karen Gajda has scaled the equivalent of Mount Everest twice.
Karen Gajda has scaled the equivalent of Mount Everest twice.

An Inverness woman has climbed Craig Phadrig more than 100 times in a charity fundraising challenge.

Retired dental nurse Karen Gajda (73) has climbed Craig Phadrig, a steep forested hill near her home, more than 100 times – the equivalent of two ascents of 29,029ft Everest – during the coronavirus lockdown.

Her efforts have raised £1465 so far in an online appeal, but she hopes the public will help to push it to £2000.

Mrs Gajda, of Blackpark Terrace, Scorguie, embarked on the challenge after starting to climb the hill every day as a means of exercise during lockdown.

“Someone said I would be doing Everest next and I had a lightbulb moment that I could raise funds for Highland Hospice as I knew funds would be plummeting because everything was being cancelled due to coronavirus,” she said.

“I am supportive of the hospice.

“It is a very precious thing in Inverness and we should make sure we take care of it. I have known people who have died there and I think everyone should support it.”

Mrs Gajda, who has often been accompanied by her husband William, completed the first equivalent climb of Everest in May but decided to repeat the feat in a bid to raise more money.

She has worn a wrist device to keep a check on the distance and has usually walked to the site of an ancient fort but on other occasions, has climbed up to the location of the telephone masts.

“I like walking but I am not a hill walker,” said Mrs Gajda, who allowed herself rest days as the challenge went on.

“It has taken more out of me than I thought.”

Mrs Gajda, who has a son and a daughter and four grandchildren, is also a member of three choirs – the Silver Belles, Inverness Singers and Friends In Harmony.

Her achievement follows that of great grandmother Margaret Payne (90) who climbed the stairs at her Sutherland home 282 times – the equivalent height of 2398ft high Suilven – to raise £421,583 for Highland Hospice, NHS Charities Together, NHS Highland and RNLI.

To donate to Mrs Gajda’s fundraising campaign, visit here

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