'Big heart on the hill' crofter Neil MacDonald (81) hits Highland Hospice fundraising target with Knockfarrel challenge – and raises the stakes as walk challenge stepped up
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A ROMANTIC Ross-shire crofter who set himself an unusual walking challenge has captured the hearts of a growing band of supporters – and smashed his Highland Hospice fundraising target within days.
Neil MacDonald (81) created the Heart on the Hill around 15 years ago on the hillside at Knockfarrel opposite his croft as a gesture to his beloved wife Mina, in case he ever forgot to say “I love you".
Using his own bare hands and ingenuity he set out in secret over two nights to fashion the giant heart shape in bracken using ropes on stakes to create the curves.
The appearance of the symbol of love sparked speculation for years until his son spilled the beans around the time of the couple's golden wedding.
Mr MacDonald, who has already raised thousands for charities down the years, set himself the target of raising £2500 for Highland Hospice by walking loops of the heart this month.
Related: PICTURES: Crofter's big-hearted gesture will benefit Highland Hospice
That target was achieved on Saturday and has now been upped to £3500.
Collecting tins in a number of local shops will add to the target.
A number of friends and well-wishers have joined him on his daily 'loops'.
Mrs MacDonald meanwhile watches progress of the "wee yellow dot" that is her husband in Highland Hospice T-shirt using binoculars from the other side of the valley.
Mr MacDonald said he was delighted with the support and that he left organisation and promotion to his daughter, Jaimie. He said: "It can be a chore at times but it's nice when there are people with me and we can chat along the way.
"I was at the village shop earlier and where there's a collecting tin and was told someone had just put a tenner in it. It felt quite heavy so that's good."
Delighted with the organisational support behind him, he said: "I just have to walk!"
To find out more or to donate, see https://www.facebook.com/groups/bigheartonthehill
