Roof of the world or bust in epic Highland Hospice challenge
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Rob Shaw, Julian Innes and Alison McRitchie are all among the more than 20 riders who will be setting out as members of the Everest Highlander Cycle Team in September.
Covering more than 430 miles in five days and tackling the equivalent of Everest in ascent it’s a mammoth challenge by any standard, but all three insist they are more than up to it.
Former police officer Mr Innes said: “I got a bike for myself when I turned 40 and have been pedalling away ever since, but this is going to be a bit of a push even though I took part in the Loch Ness Etape recently and another in Pitlochry after that.
“We’re climbing to a height of more than 29,000 feet – the height of Everest – so I think it’s just going to be a whole different kind of challenge.
“It’s for a very worthwhile cause though, and I think that will help us all through.
“My job in the police latterly was about going into places where there were problems and finding ways to solve them, but since getting involved with the hospice I can say it’s definitely not one of those places.
“The staff are so motivated, the volunteers are fantastic and service just always seems to be first class throughout.”
Alison McRitchie, owner of the Head Gardener hairdressing salon in Inverness, agreed.
“I got involved first of all because of the way the hospice cared for my dad and then my sister,” she said.
“I took part in Strictly Inverness in 2011 and ever since then have just done whatever I can to raise as much for them as possible.”
Completing the trio will be Mr Shaw who works with the Soil Association.
In his case this will be just one of three hospice fundraisers he is taking part in this year.
Later this month he will also compete in the Great Wilderness Challenge, a long distance walk
“It’s quite an amazing organisation it makes you want to whatever you can to help, and if you know some of the stats around it the money it takes to keep it going is quite phenomenal,” he said.
“It’s worth every penny though and it’s not just the hospice in Inverness itself but also all the work that is done right across the Highlands.
“It has touched so many lives I am more than happy to do whatever I can to help.”
If you would like to donate towards the Everest Highlander fundraiser visit http://bit.ly/2vrZkbO
The Highland Hospice has a number of fundraisers this summer.
Other activities include an out of this world Cycle to Space Challenge where participants are sponsored to cover the shortest distance (62 miles) between the Earth and space by bicycle over August.
The Great Wilderness Challenge, which takes place on August 12, also offers options for sponsored hikes over 25, 13 or seven miles in the great outdoors.
And those who like their exercise slightly more sedate will get the chance to raise much-needed cash at the Highland Hospice Golf Day.
This event takes place at the Spey Valley Championship Golf Course on September 22 for teams of four. Entry will include a bacon roll and tea
For more details about these events and the hospice’s other activities visit www.highlandhospice.org
