Thousands raised in charity canoe voyage
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A GROUP of fundraising canoeists braved the full force of Storm Ali as they took on a mammoth challenge for charity.
The sponsored team took on the Great Glen, paddling from Fort William to Inverness to raise money for Highland Hospice.
The challenge, which took five days and four nights of wild camping, is estimated to have raised around £12,000.
Despite a number of mishaps along the way, fundraiser Amanda Burt says the amount raised made it a worthwhile challenge.
"It was certainly a challenge and the weather wasn’t really in our favour," she said.
"There was a high chance we wouldn’t get to complete it because of the storms but luckily it eased a bit and although it rained all the time we finished ahead of schedule.
"About an hour into the journey we had our first capsize and a couple of mobile phones ended up at the bottom of Loch Ness.
"Three of the tents got damaged on Saturday night as well. It was quite an experience, but nobody lost sight of why we were doing it and to raise that much money made it all worth it."
Highland Hospice’s event fundraiser Jenna Hayden says the money raised is essential in order to continue the centre’s work.
"For 10 people who didn’t all know each other to come together and support the hospice was amazing," she said.
"We are still counting how much we’ve raised but we are estimating at the moment that it’s around £12000, which is absolutely fantastic.
"The guys are still taking part in some other fundraising events. They are doing bucket collections and things like that.
"Any fundraiser, whether it’s bake sales, coffee mornings or big physical challenges like this, is very much appreciated.
"We are so grateful for anything people can do."
