Highland woman's 500-mile pedal power challenge aims to ease Alzheimer 'heartbreak'
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A woman has been walking and cycling the distance of the North Coast 500 route to raise money for Alzheimer Scotland during lockdown.
Val Cooper (46), from Balnain, who works for the University of the Highlands and Islands, took on the challenge not only to raise cash but also awareness of people living with the condition.
“I have seen people I love have their families devastated by Alzheimer’s, it is a heartbreaking illness affecting so many people with such widespread knock-on effects” she said.
“At the moment there is a lot of focus on supporting people who are dealing with the Covid–19 situation, yet there are people’s lives who continue to be affected by Alzheimer’s and it is important not to forget that many people are also dealing with other very difficult circumstances on top of the current pandemic.
“I decided to do a 500-mile challenge because I love the North Coast 500, and as a family we spend a lot of time holidaying on the west coast. Plus, I love the Proclaimers – although Sunshine on Leith is my favourite song.”
Miss Cooper said she has been overwhelmed by the £1865 donated to far.
“This has not been an easy challenge, I have had to fit in walking and cycling between work, family time and my shifts on the Glenurquhart Community Helpline,” she said.
“I have been determined to clock up some miles every day. It has been a good opportunity to further explore some of the beautiful routes in and around the area. I have had some great support and have thoroughly enjoyed the socially distanced walks I have had with friends; the miles certainly pass quicker when you are blethering.
“I have even had one friend send me a YouTube link to a cycling or walking-related song every morning, which has been a great motivator.”
To donate click here
