Caithness artist's magical touch raises £800 for cystic fibrosis
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A Caithness artist has raised £800 for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust after being inspired by the Big Hoof journey to donate two paintings to the cause.
Fife actor Louis Hall (24), set off from John O'Groats on July 19, in memory of his friend Leo van Heyningen who died of cystic fibrosis in 2015.
His 1147 mile trek to Land's End was completed on horseback in 57 days and has raised over £36,000 – well above the initial target of £10,000.
The fundraiser was joined in his adventure by Ruaridh Ormiston and some of the team from Highland Horse Fun Kingussie. Irelanda, the five-year-old Highland cross Connemara pony that he rode was from Ormiston Highlands.
Jane McDonough, of Landhallow Crafts, Latheronwheel, also a keen horse rider, explained that she had saddled up her own horse Fudge to go and see Louis near the start of his journey at Loch More.
Jane said: "After following Louis and mare Irelanda on their journey I was inspired to paint something. I started the Flow Country one and then saw this photo of Irelanda."
The artist had noticed a post from Louis on his Big Hoof Facebook page and found his words resonated with her.
"These words just felt like they needed to go onto a painting," she said. "I used his words and wove them around Irelanda in the painting. I decided to donate the paintings as it's a good way to raise more funds."
The painting of Irelanda – Keeping the Hope Alive – sold within 24 hours of going online for £275 to a buyer from Caithness. The Flow Country painting sold within 72 hours for £525.
Jane added: "When I saw them at Loch More I just thought what an amazing thing to do as it's not a short ride. It took him around 60 days. If I'd have found out about the trip sooner, I'd have liked to have ridden a leg with them."
Louis said: "There is something very magical and significant about Jane McDonough and what she has done for The Big Hoof. Jane has donated two beautiful paintings, both of which have now sold.
"Jane wanted to bring to life the words I wrote during the journey, words that mirrored the hope and love that I received from all the strangers, storms and sunsets that I was lucky to meet on the way.
"Without realising it, however, Jane herself is making my words into a reality – she is keeping the hope alive by allowing the Big Hoof to continue to exist, and to exist in different realms. It was once just an idea, then it became a journey, a story, a picture book and now a painting and an ever-evolving ambition – why should it end?"
He added: "So far, the Big Hoof has raised £36,530 and counting."
Louis completed his charity ride on Saturday, September 12, and the money raised will go into the extremely costly production and distribution of a potentially life-saving drug, and into further research into a total cure.
Commenting about his journey on the Big Hoof Facebook page Louis talks about leaving John O'Groats on a windy day in July and not seeing the sea again for over 1000 miles. The intrepid traveller also describes how he and Irelanda fell in a sink hole on day three while still in Caithness.
They were also charged by two cows making their way across the Pennines, and a tree swung and fell behind them during Storm Francis. In addition Louis had to walk 80 miles on foot to protect his horse from going lame.
To donate to the Big Hoof visit the fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/louis-hallcf
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