Marie Jacques (80) walking 80 miles to raise money for Moray Emergency Relief Fund
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A DIABETIC Forres woman is walking 80 miles to celebrate her 80th birthday and raise money for a worthy cause.
Marie Jacques and her rescue Greyhound Ziggy, accompanied by daughter Janet and her dog Milo, started at Dallas Dhu and are heading north from Grantown-on-Spey to the coast, then west from Kingston-on-Spey on the Moray Coastal Path to Findhorn, in aid of the Moray Emergency Relief Fund (MERF).
Marie said: "Exercise is a very important part of my care and what better place to do it than in the wonderful countryside on our doorstep!
"The stress and difficulties caused by the coronavirus pandemic will be felt long after the situation has returned to 'normal'. I wish to support the local community in its journey through this time."
Marie plans on averaging around five miles-a-day - the longest session planned is 6.8 miles through hills.
She said: "I've always enjoyed walking. I've previously done the Cotswold Way, the Dale's Way twice and 10 years ago I did the Moray Way and raised over £700 for Transition Town Forres.
"I do a few miles with my dog most mornings. He was trained for short, fast bursts of speed but retraining over the last three years means he copes very well with much longer distances. He can probably out-walk me now!"
She added: "I would like to encourage people of all ages and abilities to use the opportunities around us to remain healthy and happy. It doesn't matter if it's only a short walk, the fresh air and exercise can make a world of difference."
Local Moray Councillor and credit union volunteer, Lorna Creswell, fondly remembers Marie volunteering at Forres Area Credit Union, recently relaunched as Moray Firth Credit Union.
She said: "Marie used to help support the school savings clubs. We are tracking her journey throughout July and letting the public know how she is getting on via our shop-front window display which shows what stage she is at."
To sponsor Marie, visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/8080walk?utm_id=1&utm_term=b6gZvNjDm
The MERF was set up to provide financial relief to people suffering severe hardship, illness or poverty as a result of the Covid-19 crisis who have not been sufficiently helped by measures available from the UK and Scottish governments, and Moray Council.
The registered charity depends on donations for its initial funding as Covid-19 restriction prevents fundraising activities being held. Application forms can be downloaded from the Moray Council website.
The MERF was launched in April by the Lord-Lieutenant of Moray, Major General Seymour Monro.
He said: "This is going to be a wonderful effort by Marie. The Fund has already awarded over £105,000 to over 350 applicants thanks to donations amounting to nearly £170,000. Marie’s efforts will have a direct effect on the lives of many people in Moray."
