Good causes share £5545 after sponsored stretcher-carry from Dounreay to Wick
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Workmates at Dounreay Fire, Ambulance and Rescue Service have handed over £5545 to good causes following their 30-mile sponsored stretcher-carry across Caithness.
The 28-strong team made their way on foot from Dounreay to Caithness General Hospital last month, taking it in turns to carry their “casualty” – a dummy weighing 60kg, the same as an average adult.
They completed the challenge in just over eight-and-a-half-hours in aid of Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland and the Fire Fighters Charity. The initial fundraising target of £1500 was easily surpassed and Craig Anderson, one of the organisers, praised the "truly outstanding" response from the public.
Once all the donations were in, the workmates were able to present £2772.50 to each charity.
Craig, a firefighter and ambulance technician, said: "I'd like to say a massive thank-you to the local community for all the support and donations the Dounreay Fire, Ambulance and Rescue Service team received in the build-up to and during the event – it was truly outstanding.
"The funds raised through their generosity will go a long way in supporting both great charities, allowing them to continue providing a vital and excellent service."
The stretcher-bearers set off from the Dounreay site at around 8am on April 28, passing through Thurso and Watten before reaching the finish line in Wick at about 4.30pm. Four members of the team carried the stretcher at any given time, while Dounreay provided two support vehicles and ensured welfare facilities were available.
Dounreay donated a £50 voucher as first prize in a "guess the time" competition.
The challenge was originally scheduled for September last year but was postponed as a mark of respect after the death of the Queen.
