Hurtle duo raise £4,200 for Dingwall causes
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A DETERMINED duo who tackled a 318-mile cycle challenge say the aching limbs and "endless hills" were well worth the effort — after raising more than four times their target!
Julie Taylor teamed up with her oldest pal, Julie Paton, for the so-called "Great Highland Hurtle" to benefit two Dingwall causes close to their hearts: the Highland Rheumatology Unit (HRU) and the Ross Memorial Hospital.
Julie Taylor’s mum Elsie had been a regular patient at the unit since its early days in Strathpeffer. Suffering from an extreme form of rheumatoid arthritis, Elsie found the HRU to be a lifeline.
Her friend chose the Ross Memorial Hospital "as it is often an overlooked facility within the Highland Community". She was particularly inspired by the support the Ross provides to the elderly and how they are using a new DEXA scanner to detect early signs of osteoporosis.
Speaking after the effort, Julie Taylor, now based in Edinburgh, told the Journal, "It was definitely tough in parts, especially Ullapool to Durness — the hills just went on forever! The Unit saw us off in great style, complete with a piper and welcomed us back in with champagne. I am also absolutely delighted with the fundraising and have raised £4,200 for the HRU, four times what I was hoping for."
