revealed 10 October 2024
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An 80-year-old veteran practically accomplished a 100-mile stroll problem in a 3rd of the allotted time.
Claudia Nicholson started her quest on October 1 and has already coated 83 miles with Scotland’s charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) though she has till October 31 to finish it.
A member of the Peninsula Church – Ardgour, Morvern and Stauntian together with Arharacle and Ardnamurchan – within the West Highlands, the retired district nurse midwife mentioned she took on the powerful activity of supporting crews and their life-saving work throughout Scotland.
The SCAA is an integral a part of Scotland’s Frontline Emergency Response Community, which responds to trauma incidents and medical emergencies throughout the nation, masking an space of greater than 30,000 sq. miles.
Working in partnership with the Scottish Air Ambulance, it at the moment operates two helicopters and two fast response automobiles and transports sufferers to hospitals throughout Scotland.
The short response of SCAA, the nation’s solely charity air ambulance, and its potential to achieve essentially the most distant and rural areas saves important minutes when each second counts.
Life saving abilities
Ms Nicholson, of Strontian, mentioned: “This fundraising path will not be about me, it is about you and all of us.
“We by no means know once we or certainly one of our family members is likely to be in a state of affairs the place SCAA is likely to be wanted.
“It gives such an important service in rural areas such because the Highlands and Islands and transports individuals to hospitals across the nation the place they are going to obtain the remedy they want.
“There are a lot of of us right here, my household included, who’re grateful for the velocity, ability and effectivity the crew gives.
“They’re completely unbelievable in conditions the place it is unattainable to get entry by street.
“It is an essential a part of rural life and it is solely us, as supporters and fundraisers, who might help those that want it most.
“For those who see me strolling in October please say ‘hello’ and naturally, any wee money donations shall be gratefully accepted.”
blessing
Wearing a hi-vis, branded vest, Ms Nicholson arrange a web-based fundraising web page to help the charity, which depends solely on donations to function.
She mentioned she felt “blessed” to be so match at her age and that exterior of the problem her every day routine included strolling two miles from her dwelling to the put up workplace to purchase a newspaper.
“I noticed an SCAA put up on Fb concerning the 100 Mile in October Problem and it was a spontaneous determination to get entangled,” defined Mrs Nicholson, who has 4 grown-up kids, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
“I believed ‘I can do that’.
“It is a worthwhile trigger and my household and associates help it.
“I am not losing vitality strolling the mountain paths, I am strolling the streets in the course of the day as a result of we do not have sidewalks and road lights.
“It is pushing me and that is what’s satisfying about it – I would not have executed it if the problem was a two-mile canine stroll across the park.
“I stroll alone however everybody right here is aware of me and folks cease me to want me nicely and donate cash.
“I am feeling good and making good progress though I can not stroll as quick as I used to.
“I’ve to work on it however I am positive I am going to stroll 100 miles earlier than October 31.”
A shining instance
The Rev Donald McCorkindle, minister of the Peninsula Church, described Mrs Nicholson as an inspiration.
“Claudia will not be solely a devoted elder, however a shining instance of religion in motion throughout the church and past,” he mentioned.
“Her dedication to elevating funds for Scotland’s charity Air Ambulance by strolling 100 miles in October is actually inspiring.
“At 80, Claudia continues to make a big influence within the wider neighborhood, demonstrating that age is not any barrier to creating a distinction.”
