Trekkers battle ‘giant’ midges for charity
A DETERMINED group of fundraisers braved “giant” midges to walk over 70 miles along the Great Glen Way to boost funds for two mental health charities.
A mixture of eight staff and users from Caithness Mental Health Support Group’s The Haven, in Wick, were joined by a housing support worker from the Caithness branch of Birchwood Highland and one man and his dog when they set off recently on the trek from Fort William to Inverness.
The Haven’s manager, Angela Edwards, said the five-day challenge was tougher than she had expected – but well worth it.
“When we first looked into it we believed it was a beautiful, leisurely stroll along the Caledonian Canal,” she said.
“The first 11-and-a-half miles were beautiful but we were exhausted by heat, and on the second day it was much the same. But on day three and four it was a steady climb, we were hiking and climbing mountains. At one point we walked nine miles uphill and we were eaten alive by giant midges.”
The group camped along the way at various sites which added to the fun of the experience.
Angela said it was an incredibly worthwhile way to raise around £800.
“It’s fantastic. Everybody needs funds as there just isn’t the money going about that there used to be,” she said.
“We’re not as hard hit as some groups but we still need to get funds to keep the centres going.”
The money will be used by The Haven to take users out and about on day trips.
Birchwood Highland’s Andrea McIntosh and dog owner Aaron also had a great time with Saffire the dog leading the way, raising around £200 in the process.