Funds stepped up for Highland Hospice

A HIGHLAND Hospice supporter has stepped up funds for the cause - raising £2,500 by walking backwards along a mountain road.

And cash is still pouring in after Ullapool man John Urquhart, completed the Bealach nam Bò – a twisting, single track in the Applecross peninsula.

He covered the distance by walking backwards on Saturday, June 4, in five hours and eight minutes.

The road, which rises to 626 metres and is the third highest in Scotland, is engineered in a similar fashion to the great mountain passes in the Alps, with very tight hairpin bends which switch back and forth up the hillside, and gradients approaching 20 per cent. It boasts the greatest ascent of any road climb in the UK.

The unusual venture was inspired by friend Bernie Fish, who completed the challenge 20 years ago.

The challenge was the latest in a string of fundraising activities for John (62) whose late wife Rene was cared for by Highland Hospice. He is a keen supporter of the charity, and also assists at many hospice events.

He has already raised funds for the charity through participating in the Great Wilderness Challenge and walking the West Highland Way.

Speaking after his latest challenge, John said: "I am absolutely delighted with how it went. The weather was kind to me, and the support I received was just overwhelming. The sponsor money is still coming in, and I have already raised over £2,500!"

Linda MacDonald, fundraising manager of Highland Hospice based in Inverness, said they were thankful for John’s support.

She said: "Everyone at Highland Hospice is extremely grateful to John for raising these valuable funds for the charity. We are delighted that he got on so well with his unusual challenge – he is a true star."

To sponsor John, visit his JustGiving site at www.justgiving.com/John-Urquhart