Kerry Vigurs hoping surprise Ness Factor entry will do friends who have benefitted from ‘really good cause’ Highland Hospice proud
Entering Ness Factor may feel like a big commitment for some, but for 2024 contestant Kerry Vigurs it came out of the blue.
She was on holiday in Tunisia when an email dropped into her inbox, completely out of the blue, inviting her for a first audition.
It was the doing of her friend, and Strictly Inverness 2024 contestant, Ailsa Campbell, who had put her forward to take part in the singing competition to raise money for Highland Hospice.
Having no prior singing experience, Mrs Vigurs – wife of former Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Ross County footballer Iain – was initially dubious about proceeding, but after considering the impact that Highland Hospice has had on her friends’ life decided to throw herself fully into it.
“The Highland Hospice has touched all of our lives in some way,” she said.
“We all know somebody or have family who have benefited from use of the Hospice, so especially up here it is close to a lot of people’s hearts.
“The only ‘experience’ I have is doing karaoke drunk, so when I saw the email come in, I laughed at first. I didn’t think there was any chance I could sing in front of a group of people.
“I was debating it back and forth for a long time, but Ailsa just completed Strictly and said that was one of the best experiences of her life, so I should go for it.
“The Hospice is very dear to her. It was only a couple of years ago that they had a big input into her mum’s end of life, so she is a big advocate for it and she is a big force pushing me.
“I have friends who have used the Hospice, and I have seen how much it has helped them and was there to support them.
“Hearing exactly how much it costs for the Hospice to provide someone with a room for the night, to offer them that comfort and have that privacy, it’s just a really good cause as we all know.
“I thought I had nothing to lose by auditioning, and I didn’t actually expect to get in at all, but here we are.”
A big part of Ness Factor is fundraising for the Hospice, and Mrs Vigurs already has a number of events lined up.
Keeping in with her family ties, there will be a six-a-side football event at the Maryburgh pitches on August 3, including inflatables to make it a day out for the whole family.
She is also hosting a country western-themed ladies’ day at the Royal British Legion in Dingwall on August 10.
Mrs Vigurs is in the process of arranging a day of live music at the Ord Arms in September, and there is also a wine-tasting event in the works at Maryburgh’s Cottage Bar.
“It’s really exciting, but I have got a really lovely group of friends who have been supportive and are helping me with all the planning,” she added.
“Ailsa is one of them, and she’s full of great ideas for fundraising through her own experience, so I have lots of support helping me all the way.”
• Donate to Kerry’s JustGiving page here to support her Ness Factor fundraising efforts