PICTURES: A strictly Inverness couple hosted a Night at the Races in Inverness to raise money for charity
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Penny O’Brien and Adam Crichton hosted the event at the Chieftain Hotel to aid their fundraising for the upcoming dance competition in aid of Highland Hospice and Inverness Ice Centre.
Guests enjoyed competitive races, a buffet, raffle and DJ, raising £2575 in total. Penny’s corporate sponsor, Ego Hair Design, has kindly offered to add a donation to bring the total up to £3000.
Raffle prizes included a signed Caley Thistle ball, a voucher for The Nail Hut, weekend car hire from Dicksons and a four ball at Inverness Golf Club.
Penny (27), from Milton of Leys, works as a trainee careers adviser. It was her first ever race night, and it went down well.
“It was really good, we absolutely loved it,” she said. “We had a full house which was amazing and just loads of fun.
“I didn’t know what to expect as I’d never been to a race night but it was hosted by Steven Mason who took care of everything so we got to just enjoy the night and spend time with family and friends.”
She was one of the original 2020 competitors and is looking forward to throwing herself into training and finally taking part in the competition which was delayed due to the pandemic.
Penny said: “I signed up back in 2020 for an exciting new challenge. A platform like Strictly gives the opportunity to raise lots of funds for the Highland Hospice and I can’t wait to continue with my fundraising, having raised funds back in 2020 originally.
“Training is good. We are nearly there, the dances are finished now so it’s a case of perfecting everything. It’s been a long time coming but the end is in sight.”
Her partner Adam has tough competition this year, as his brother Scott will also be competing.
Adam, a 21-year-old police officer, signed up to Strictly last minute due to a drop out, but is enjoying his training.
