Wester Ross charity challenge set to break £4m mark as call for entries issued
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A ROSS-SHIRE charity challenge which has raised almost £4 million over the past three 33 years still has spaces to be snapped up as entries come in from across the UK and overseas.
The Great Wilderness Challenge (GWC), which starts out in Poolewe, takes place on Saturday, August 17 with Highland Hopsice, which came up with the idea of the event, again set to be the main beneficiary. It has to date received £1.4 million since 1986.
A number of other health-related charities are also supported this year, including Skye and Lochalsh Young Carers, Children’s Hospices Across Scotland and Scottish Ambulance Service.
The friendly community event held among stunning mountain scenery is totally organised by volunteers, with all proceeds going directly to charity. It includes walks and runs (25, 13 and 7 miles) to suit most capabilities and fitness levels. In recent years a further dimension has been added to cater for limited mobility walkers, with carer and wheelchair support if required, with the introduction of two scenic low level routes of 1.4 and 2.8 miles.
Two local Poolewe lads, Kenny Mitchell and John Maclellan, have completed all 33 events to date, all at the long distance route, and are already signed up to preserve that precious record this year.
Two other regulars at the event in recent years are walker Marjory Jagger from Skye and 25-mile runner –and former winner – Ross Bannerman from Tain. Both are among the event’s top fundraisers every year.
Mr Bannerman said: “This event is a must for our family. Three generations take part every year on a choice of routes. It ticks all the boxes for an exhilarating challenge among Scotland’s finest scenery, organised annually for charity by a dedicated team of volunteers in the Poolewe area, raising huge sums for Highland charities. Definitely my favourite race, and very much looking forward to my 15th consecutive appearance at Poolewe this year.”
Marjory Jagger: “It is a fantastic day out with friendly people in amazing countryside, with a great choice of routes, either competitive or otherwise. In this inclusive family-centred event, everyone is a winner from youngest to oldest, raising lots of money for those who need and deserve it most in our Highland communities. Full marks to the organisers and volunteers for their friendly approach and meticulous attention to detail, not least the catering team who work wonders with an abundance of delicacies each year for literally hundreds of participants”
Entries to this year’s event are still available, with the exception of the 25-mile race which is already fully subscribed. Online entry available via website www.greatwildernesschallenge.info
For postal entry, contact GWC secretary Pat Ross mail@greatwildernesschallenge.info or Tel 01445 731516. Individual, corporate and group applications welcome.
