PICTURES: Inverness charity Befrienders Highland mark 30th birthday with '30k for £30,000' run and walk along the Caledonian Canal
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Pounding feet have helped generate valuable pounds and pennies for a small Inverness-based voluntary group.
Befrienders Highland, which works to improve the lives of people with mental health and memory difficulties, as well as their carers, marked its 30th anniversary with a 30km for £30,000 event along the Caledonian Canal.
There was a great turn out as local businesses rallied in support of the charity.
As of yesterday, the fundraising tally stood at £6000 and rising.
Braving some rainy conditions between the An Talla restaurant and shop at Dochgarroch, dozens of hardy runners and walkers made good ground on Sunday morning.
Organiser Jo Page of Befrienders Highland, which uses friendship to break down barriers which isolate people facing mental health issues and challenges, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled by the backing of everyone who took part and, hopefully, it was an enjoyable day with lots of fun, as well as great effort and endeavour.
“As a small voluntary organisation working to improve the lives of people who are experiencing mental ill health, memory difficulties or dementia and their carers, our 30th anniversary is a great opportunity to raise vital funds to help us continue our work.
“It was a great day all round and we extend our thanks to everyone who took part.”
Starting at 8am, the event challenged people to run, jog or walk 30km (18.6 miles) individually or as a team, starting and finishing at An Talla.
A market was also held at An Talla with each stallholder making a donation to Befrienders Highland.
Stallholders included Highland Tide Design, These Fragile Ideas, Chantelle Lee Jewellery, Coorie Company, Woodyness, Zoe D Ceramics, Soap & Mhor, Farr Away Stories, Little Ness and A Touch of Gold.
An Talla, part of Loch Ness by Jacobite, has chosen Befrienders Highland as its main charity partner for 2023. Each year the company selects one charity to support, hosting small and large fundraising events throughout the year.
Freda Newton, managing director of Loch Ness by Jacobite and An Talla, said: “We are delighted to support Befrienders Highland, which provides such an important service in the Highlands.
“The 30km for £30,000 event proved to be a great day and we were really excited to have another market at An Talla with lots of fantastic local producers.”
More information about Befrienders Highland and full details on its extensive work and services can be found at the charity’s website www.befriendershighland.org.uk/
