Thurso friends help raise an Incredible total for Highland Hospice charity

TWO Thurso friends took part in an Incredible challenge to raise funds for a north charity. Susan Andrew and Jacky Potts joined volunteers from all over the Highlands to abseil 100 ft from the Kessock Bridge on the outskirts of Inverness. The event was held over two days and took place earlier this month.

Susan, who is 37 and a primary school teacher, had previously abseiled down Dunrobin Castle in Golspie two years ago and raised £1880 for the Archie Foundation which helps sick children but it was Jacky's first such venture. The 52-year-old maths and music tutor came up with the idea of doing the challenge after seeing it advertised on social media. Jacky donned a Mr Incredible outfit to do the abseil while Susan was dressed in a US Top Gun naval outfit.

Susan said: "Jacky wanted to push herself outside her comfort zone as she is terrified of heights. She mentioned just before she went over the top that she once blacked out from being high up."

So what was the incentive. "We both know people who have experienced the care and support Highland Hospice provides not only to patients but their families so were more than happy to raise funds for them. I had spoken to a man who had written a journal while he was in the hospice so it could be passed on to other patients. His act of kindness while going through so much himself really touched me.

Susan added: "It was my second charity abseil but this one was different with it being a free-air abseil and higher at 100ft. I really enjoyed it and would happily have gone again! The instructors are supportive and really good with any participants who have last minute nerves. After a small pep talk, Jacky was on her way down and did a great job. It was worth it just to see her grinning from ear to ear at the end exclaiming 'I did it.'

"I'm known for enjoying my fancy dress having done the Dunrobin abseil in a Supergirl costume, appearing in Thurso pantomime as a mermaid and hosting themed house parties. It was just a question of persuading Jacky to do the same and after producing a bag of options for her Mr Incredible was the winner. It seems quite fitting for her Incredible feat."

So far the pair have raised about £800 for the charity although that figure is likely to rise as there is still more money to be collected. In total, around £150,000 was raised by about 400 abseilers.

Highland Hospice provides specialist care and support to terminally ill patients and their families in the Highlands. They have an in-patient unit in Inverness, provide day care across the region and offer bereavement counselling for relatives.

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