Speedo Mick's brief encounter in Ross-shire boosts fundraising hero as temperatures dip
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WHEN fundraising hero Michael Cullen was turned away from a Ross-shire cafe after walking in clad only in a pair of swimming trunks, he was about to witness Highland hospitality at its best.
The scantily-clad fundraiser has been warming hearts while defying sub-zero temperatures on a 1000-mile bid to reach Land’s End from John o’Groats.
The Everton fan is targetting £50,000 for Leave the Light On, a charity helping disadvantaged people.
Despite witnesses taking to social media to voice sympathy for his plight when turned away from a cafe near Dingwall, ‘Speedo Mick’ (55) bears no ill will.
He said: “He was quite right. it must be fairly odd for a guy walking along in his shreddies on the A9 to stop and want to sit beside other fully clothed customers. I don’t blame him at all.
“It was what happened next that was wonderful and just shows what lovely hospitality there is in the Highlands. All the people who were sitting in the café came out and offered to bring me out food and offered me fleece jackets to heat up for a wee while, a seat in their cars – and for those who couldn’t offer me anything else offered me a cuddle. And that was as good, or even better, than anything else.”
He said: “It has been the harshest and coldest of weather I have come across, but I have also come across the kindest of people. It is very true in what they say about Highland hospitality. There are so many kind people out there.”
Mr Cullen intends reaching the Scottish border by Christmas Day. To help Speedo Mick, visit www.gofundme.com/f/speedomick-1000-ml-charity-walk
