Tag: West Highland Way

Nine-year-old treks 96 MILES to raise money for vet charity PDSA

Johnathan takes on Scotland’s West Highland Way to raise vital funds for sick and injured pets

Nine-year-old Johnathan Westacott from North Devon has walked an incredible 96 miles to raise vital funds for vet charity PDSA.

Following many months of intense training, Johnathan walked for a total of 59 hours, covering over 310,000 steps over eight days across the wild landscapes of Scotland, raising over £1,500 for PDSA, who provide vital veterinary care to sick and injured pets across the UK.

The animal-obsessed fundraiser took on the challenge alongside his family and their family dogs Fudge and Coco, sharing regular video updates on their Facebook page throughout the gruelling hike.

Johnathan’s mum, Jennifer Westacott (37) said: “We are so proud of Johnathan and his achievement – it’s an incredible distance and seeing him finish the West Highland Way walk in aid of his favourite charity PDSA has made me burst with pride.

“Myself and my husband, Andrew, walked alongside him, together with his nanny and grandad, so we could all support one another to get through the miles. It wasn’t easy but together we made it so we could be there for Jonathan and we all kept each other going despite the very tired legs and blisters!

“Johnathan has always loved animals, especially dogs, and he decided to take on the challenge and to raise funds for vet charity PDSA.

“He was inspired to support PDSA after watching the daily live feeds from Max Out in the Lakes Facebook page who share daily updates during their walks with three Spaniels, Max, Paddy and Harry in the Lake District.

“They have held many fundraising events for PDSA, so Johnathan wanted to follow in their footsteps and do the same!”

Ruth Lister from PDSA said: “Johnathan’s challenge is incredibly inspiring and we are very grateful to Johnathan and the whole family for their support.

“The funds raised through their amazing fundraising challenge means that we are able to continue our life-saving work, caring for pets whose owners have nowhere else to turn. 

“We rely on the generosity of the pet-loving public who donate to make sure we can be there for a pet when they need us most. It’s thanks to inspiring fundraisers, such as Johnathan and his family, that we’re able to continue our life-saving work.”

So far Johnathan’s JustGiving page has raised over £1,500.

Further donations to support his fundraiser for PDSA can be made here: 

www.justgiving.com/fundraising/johnathan-westacott?utm_source=Sharethis&utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=johnathan-westacott&utm_campaign=pfp-email&utm_term=b713a95c288947fcbb6221658c42945a

No pet owner should be faced with losing a beloved pet because they can no longer afford to pay for treatment. For many vulnerable pets, PDSA is there to help when there is nowhere else for their owners to turn.

Find out more on their website www.pdsa.org.uk.

Lothian women conquer Great Glencoe Challenge for deaf children’s charity

A team of friends from the Lothians conquered the Great Glencoe Challenge to raise funds for the National Deaf Children’s Society on 3 July. 

The four friends were Sarah Johnson from Dunbar, Rachel McWilliams from Bonnyrigg, and Louise Strutt and Susan Thomson, both from Musselburgh.

The quartet conquered the 26.2-mile challenge, from the heart of Glencoe, over the infamous Devils Staircase on the West Highland Way and finishing at the foot of Ben Nevis, in a time of 10 hours, 54 minutes. 

The women, who became firm friends through attending the same gym class, were inspired to take on the challenge for the National Deaf Children’s Society by Louise’s son Harry, 11, who has been deaf from an early age and wears hearing aids.

The family received support from the National Deaf Children’s Society during Harry’s early years. 

The team has raised over £3,000 for the National Deaf Children’s Society, which supports the UK’s 50,000 deaf children and their families. 

Louise said:  “We decided that we’d do this for the National Deaf Children’s Society a couple of years ago. It’s called ‘Scotland’s toughest trekathon.’ It was hard work but great fun. 

“Thankfully the weather held out for us, we took our time and had plenty of pit stops and celebrated with a glass or two of prosecco afterwards. We’ve been waiting well over a year to do this after all.   

“We all met at our local gym and have been friends ever since. I suggested we should fundraise for the National Deaf Children’s Society because of the incredible support they gave me and Harry when he was younger. Not to mention the guidance they gave his school to support his education.  

“The challenge was a tough one but nothing like the challenge deaf children face up and down the country every day.  

“The girls were all immediately on board with the idea. We all hope the money we raised makes a difference to more families like mine.” 

Elle Billinge, of the National Deaf Children’s Society’s fundraising team, added: “I want to say a huge thank you and congratulations to Sarah, Rachel, Louise and Susan for their incredible determination in taking on the Great Glencoe Challenge. It was a truly awesome challenge and you’re all heroes!  

“The National Deaf Children’s Society is dedicated to supporting the UK’s 50,000 deaf children and their families. The efforts of selfless fundraisers like these four women will help us to keep on doing our vital work, now and into the future.”

Warm welcome awaits Norhet’s charity walkers

There will be a warm welcome – and a cold pint or two – awaiting a hardy team of walkers when they get back to the Norhet Bar in Davidsons Mains late this afternoon. Continue reading Warm welcome awaits Norhet’s charity walkers