Lochaber generosity

GOOD CAUSES AND LOCHABER GENEROSITY

Iain Ferguson People and businesses across Lochaber are noted for their willingness to support good causes and help those who organise and take part in them.

In the run up to the Scottish Six Days Trial, local bikers and entrants Gary MacLennan and Paul Paterson set themselves a challenge to raise money for local Macmillan nurses and support their caring role, of which they have had personal experience.

Fundraising on social media started a few months before the event and they also put in a great deal of time preparing their 40-year-old Italian ‘Fantic 200’ bikes to take part. With competitor numbers 245 for Paul and 285 for Gary, the pair brought up the rear of the parade through the High Street to waves and cheers from the many local people who knew about their intentions.

They took part in every stage of the trial and while not amongst the medal winners, put in a great performance on probably the oldest bikes taking part. Although costumes were not allowed to be worn on bikes during the parade, as they have been in previous years, on the last stage at Rocky Brae in Fort William they became Top Gun’s Maverick and George Michael for added fun and to raise awareness of their mission.

However, they and the Macmillan Nurses were the real winners by raising £13,000 by the end of trials week, raising far more than they expected, with many participants from across the world making a donation.

Just a week before, a show of ‘the world in miniature’ also raised a large sum which was distributed amongst charities which greatly benefit the community. Like the trial, the Lochaber Model Show was making a welcome return after a couple of years of Covid postponement.

The main hall of the Nevis Centre was packed with tables showing models of everything from aircraft and ships to dolls houses and diggers, all expertly built and showing incredible attention to detail.

Organiser and expert model maker Robert Wilson, who featured in the March edition of Lochaber Life, was delighted at the attendance of exhibitors and spectators which raised around £2,000 for charities through entrance fees.

Magazines rarely have room to mention the many donors and sponsors who make events such as this possible by covering much of the running costs and making them such a success.

On this occasion let’s break the mould.

Robert would like to thank: Caley Timber and Building Supplies; Glenspean Lodge; Highland Titles; A D J Stevenson; J & A Macdonald; Ferguson Transport & Shipping; Davie MacPhee; Boyd Bros; McColl Brothers; George Stewart Groundworks; LBS Fort William; S & A Cameron and Heilan Toys N’ Collectables.

Funds raised on the day were distributed as follows: £1,000 to the Scottish Charity Air Ambulance service; £200 to Lochaber Sea Cadets; £200 to Corpach in Colour; £200 to Lochaber Phoenix Boxing Club and £200 to Roy Bridge Community Gardens.

These are only two of the many worthy events which people organise throughout Lochaber to help others.

Well done to everyone who generously give of their time and money to make them all such a success.