Pupils aims to run up a big donation
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Energetic pupils from an Inverness Primary School will don their running shoes and bright yellow T-shirts on Sunday to raise money for the Raigmore Children’s Ward Appeal.
A 24-strong group of P6/P7 pupils from Cauldeen Primary School plus six adults will take part in the River Ness 5K fun run which forms part of the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running.
The youngsters were inspired by the courage of Inverness eight-year-old Keir MacGruer who died just days after celebrating the news from his hospital bed that he had raised at least £2500 for the appeal from an exhibition and sale of his original artwork.
They subsequently decided they wanted to do their bit for the £1 million fundraising appeal launched by the ARCHIE Foundation in conjunction with The Inverness Courier to create a more family-friendly and child-centred children’s department.
Teacher Gillian Maclennan, who will be participating in the 10k event, said the children are very enthusiastic about taking part in the fun run when they will wear the yellow appeal T-shirts.
"They are taking it very seriously," she said. "I have heard one or two say they are out training in the evening. We also have a cross-country team which trains every Monday and on Tuesdays, some pupils run from Cauldeen to the Aquadome for their swimming lessons.
"There will also be some parents who are not keen to run but want to take part to raise money and be with their children."
The school, which has also raised money by holding Dress Down Days on two consecutive Fridays, is confident of fulfilling its pledge to raise £200 for the appeal.
Also running for the appeal in the various events on Sunday will be a 14-strong group from the Inverness Jobcentre — appeal fundraising manager Allana Mackay and daughter Rianna, Ashleigh Macdonald of Inverness, Linda McCalthcey of Auldearn and Fiona Mackenzie plus sons Josh (13) and Kyle (10) along with Tracey Macinness and daughter Amy (10), all of Golspie.
So far, a variety of efforts by individuals, groups and businesses across the region has pushed the amount raised for the appeal to £847.149.
It is hoped that development work will start early next year on the new-look department which is set to feature a new entrance, improved recovery and emergency assessment spaces plus an emphasis on space for play.
* The search is on for models of all shapes, sizes and ages for a fund-raising fashion show in the Eastgate shopping centre next month. Buy The Inverness Courier to find out more.
