Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross MP Jamie Stone throws his support behind 'Sutherland Hero', Margaret Payne; the 90-year-old aims to climb Suilven virtually by walking up and down her home's stairs, with funds going to the NHS and Highland Hospice
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A ROSS MP has released a video in support of Sutherland hero, Margaret Payne as the 90-year-old embarks on a challenge to climb the equivalent of Suilven in aid of the NHS and Highland Hospice.
Ms Payne is an old friend of the MP Jamie Stone's late mother.
The 90 years old and is walking the equivalent of Suliven by going up and down her stairs. And the Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross MP is urging people to support her fundraising campaign by visiting https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MargaretPayneArdvar-SuilvenChallenge
At the time of writing she had already shattered her initial £10,000 target, raising £77,974 – or £95,322.32 once Gift Aid is taken into account.
According to her fundraising page, Ms Payne said: "At 90 I am planning to climb the equivalent of Suilven......2398 feet .. in stairs at Ardvar. That’s 17 stairs, a flight being eight-and-a-half feet each time. 282 times total is my challenge. I think it is going to take me about two months!
"I first climbed Suilven in 1944 aged 15 with my sister Elizabeth from Glencanisp, Lochinver, during the war.
"I have now lived in the Highlands for over 40 years and I would like to raise funds to support the NHS in particular at this difficult time and especially in return for the extraordinary support we have received personally at Aardvark. In addition, we are giving some support to the Highland Hospice."
In a video posted to Facebook and Twitter, Mr Stone said: "I think this is a remarkable effort to raise money for the NHS... at the age of 90 when you have just been widowed, what a brave thing to do. Gosh I support people like Tom and Margaret.
"It would be best if the Government could pay for the NHS but these heroic endeavours are to be absolutely admired and saluted. It's a privilege to know Margaret."
