Great gran puts best foot forward to smash SCAA fundraiser
A great-grandmother from Strontian has almost completed a 100-mile walking challenge in a third of the allotted time.
Claudia Nicholson, 80, began her quest on October 1 and had already clocked up 83 miles, by October 10, in aid of Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) even though she has until October 31 to complete it.
An elder at Peninsula Churches - Ardgour, Morvern and Stontian with Arharacle and Ardnamurchan - the retired district nurse midwife said she took on the formidable task to support crews and their life-saving work across Scotland.
SCAA is an integral part of Scotland’s frontline emergency response network, responding to trauma incidents and medical emergencies across the country, covering an area of more than 30,000 square miles.
Working in partnership with the Scottish Air Ambulance, it currently operates two helicopters and two rapid response vehicles and transports patients to hospitals all over Scotland.
The fast response of SCAA, the country’s only charity air ambulance, and its ability to reach the most remote and rural areas saves vital minutes when every second counts.
Ms Nicholson said: "This fundraising walk is not about me, it is about you and all of us.
"We never know when any of us or our loved ones may be in a situation where the SCAA could be needed.
"It provides such a vital service in rural areas such as the Highlands and Islands and flies people to hospitals across the country where they will get the treatment they need.
"There here are many of us, my family included, who are more than grateful for the speed, efficiency and expertise that the crews provide.
"They are absolutely splendid at the work that they do in situations where it is impossible to get access by road.
"If you see me walking during October please say ’hi’ and, of course, any wee cash donations would be gratefully accepted."
Wearing a hi-vis, branded vest, Ms Nicholson has set up an online fundraising page (Just Giving: 100 Miles in October) to support the charity, which solely relies on donations to operate.
She said she feels "blessed" to be so fit at her age and her daily routine, outside the challenge, includes walking two miles most days from her home to a post office to buy a newspaper.
"I spotted a SCAA post about the 100 miles in October Challenge on Facebook and it was a spontaneous decision to get involved," explained Ms Nicholson, who has four adult children, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
"I thought ‘I could do that.
"It is such a worthwhile cause and my family and friends are supportive.
"I am not wasting energy walking hill tracks, I am just walking on the road during the day because we do not have pavements and street lights.
"It is pushing me and that is what is satisfying about it - I would not have done it if the challenge was a two-mile dog walk round the park.
"I am walking alone but everyone round here knows me and people have stopped me to wish me well and donate money.
"I am feeling fine and making good progress, although I cannot walk as fast as I used to.
"I have to work at it but I am confident I will have walked 100 miles before October 31."
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