Workmates set for 60kg charity stretcher carry from Dounreay to Caithness General Hospital
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A group of Dounreay workmates are preparing to become stretcher-bearers in a fundraising challenge that will take them from one end of the county to the other.
The Dounreay Fire, Ambulance and Rescue Service personnel will make their way on foot to Caithness General Hospital with their "casualty" – a dummy tipping the scales at 60kg, the weight of an average adult.
The sponsored stretcher carry is scheduled for Friday, April 28, in aid of two good causes – Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland and the Fire Fighters Charity. It was originally scheduled for September 16 last year but was postponed as a mark of respect after the death of the Queen.
About 20 people will be taking part, with four holding the stretcher at any given time. Dounreay will provide two support vehicles.
Firefighter and ambulance technician Craig Anderson, one of the organisers, says they are expecting it to be tough.
"We've been doing a bit of practising to get used to the weight, as we'll be carrying 15 kilos each," he said.
"It's going to take a lot of rotation, with people swapping about.
"It's certainly not going to be an easy task. We are looking forward to getting it done."
They set a target of £1500 on their online JustGiving page and have raised £1377 so far.
Dounreay has donated a £50 voucher as first prize in a "guess the time" competition, with sponsor sheets available from members of the team.
They will set off at 8am next Friday from the Dounreay site, passing through Thurso and Watten before reaching the finish line at the hospital in Wick.
