MP praises Thurso campaigner’s ‘selfless’ efforts for Highland rape and abuse charity
Far north MP Jamie Stone has said he is inspired by the selfless work of an award-winning Thurso woman who campaigns for victims of sexual violence.
Lorna Stanger won the volunteer of the year prize at the Highland Third Sector Interface awards at the start of September.
The 54-year-old is a campaigning and fundraising volunteer with Rape and Sexual Abuse Service Highland (RASASH) and in November she spoke at one of the charity’s events in Inverness before running back to Thurso to raise money – a total of 110 miles.
Mr Stone, the Liberal Democrat MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, wrote to Lorna to congratulate her on her efforts.
He wrote: “Your recent success at the Highland Third Sector Interface awards is an incredible testament to the brilliant work you do. Having learnt about your efforts, I must say I am truly inspired.
“Few people have the determination and altruism to devote such energy to helping others. Indeed, few people also have the stamina and strength to run from Inverness to Thurso!”
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He went on: “Gender-based and sexual violence is an incredibly important issue that is sadly pervasive not just in the far north but across the whole of the world. I really do admire the work both you and your fellow volunteers at RASASH do to combat this.
“We are so lucky to benefit from this fantastic work in the far north.”
Lorna’s run raised £1200 for RASASH, which offers a lifeline service for anyone affected by sexual violence in Highland, providing free and confidential support, along with training for professionals and agencies.
Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey MP Drew Hendry previously submitted an Early Day Motion in honour of Lorna’s work and fundraising for RASASH after he also spoke at the event in November.
Support from RASASH is available on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9.30am-1pm and Tuesday and Thursday from 1pm-4.30pm on 03330 066909 or visit www.rasash.org.uk. Rape Crisis Scotland can be contacted from 6pm to midnight daily on 08088 010302.