Catriona braves icy Caithness weather to raise hundreds for animal welfare charity
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A TWELVE-year-old girl from Halkirk organised and completed a sponsored 10-mile walk for her favourite charity, the Scottish SPCA.
Catriona Irwin was forced to make a change from her intended route because of icy weather but succeeded in raising £460.
“I wanted to raise as much money as possible for my local Scottish SPCA centre and hopefully make a difference to an animal’s life," Catriona said.
“I contacted the charity to get all the information I would need and named my walk Honey’s Highland Hike after our dog who was coming with us on the hike.”
Catriona, her mum Elizabeth Irwin and Honey the dog set off on Sunday, November 17, towards Altnabreac from Loch More. However, the sheet ice and freezing conditions meant progress was slower than expected and led to a change of plan as daylight was fading.
They walked back to Harpsdale, as Catriona was determined to complete the full distance that day, and were met by her dad and little sister at Westerdale.
The money was raised between sponsor forms and a fundraising page Catriona set up for the event.
Christine Urquhart, assistant manager of the Scottish SPCA's Caithness and Sutherland Rescue and Rehoming Centre, said: “We think that Catriona’s efforts are incredible.
“She has shown real determination and initiative, not only in organising everything herself, but by completing the hike despite the challenging conditions.
“This was an amazing challenge to take on and we’re extremely grateful to Catriona for her support of the society as we rely solely on the generosity of the public to help us care for abused, abandoned and neglected animals each year.”
