Moray Inshore Rescue Organisation and Gordon and Macphail complete fundraising walk of 45 miles
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EMPLOYEES of an Elgin-based distiller walked more than 45 miles to raise vital funds for a voluntary life-saving service in Findhorn.
A total of 18 Gordon and MacPhail (G&M) colleagues were joined by two Moray Inshore Rescue Organisation representatives to take on their biggest walking challenge yet in aid of MIRO.
Starting at Spey Bay, the group aimed to complete all or part of a 46-mile stretch along the Speyside Way, finishing up at the Cairn Distillery in Grantown-on-Spey.
G&M managing director, Ewen Mackintosh, and facilities and property coordinator at the Cairn Distillery, Nathan Timms, completed all 46 miles. They arrived at the Cairn at around 8.30pm to a rapturous reception as they climbed the final hill.
Ewan said: “Although our biggest challenge to date was carried out on land, we’re delighted our efforts will help raise money to support the valuable work of MIRO on the sea.
“Huge congratulations to all that took part and thanks to those who have supported our endeavours.”
G&M has nominated MIRO as their charity of the year.
Employees have time to fund-raise and the company agreed to match-fund their proceeds. A JustGiving page has been set up at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/miro-walk with the target of £5000.
The first walkers were picked up by bus in Forres at around 3am. Others then joined en-route to Spey Bay. Eight who set off from Spey Bay at 4am were joined by a further nine at Aberlour and four more at Ballindalloch.
MIRO’s youngest volunteer, 17-year-old Ewan Bartlett, wanted to complete the 46 miles but actually completed 44.7 miles.
He explained: “Due to the conditions, I was going to stop after 44 miles but a slight detour and some interesting orienteering meant I actually completed 44.7miles! It’s probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done – especially with cramp and blisters! I left Findhorn at 2.30am and arrived at the Cairn just before 8pm. What a day!”
MIRO is a dedicated rescue service covering Findhorn Bay and the inshore waters between Burghead and Nairn. It is manned by unpaid volunteers who give up their time to train, raise funds and save lives. Find out more at www.morayinshorerescue.org.
MIRO shore support volunteer and fundraising coordinator, Jock McEwan, completed a 20-mile stretch of the walk.
Mr McEwan said: “The walk was well organised. Participants were well looked after and made to feel special. We are hugely grateful to G&M for selecting MIRO as their chosen charity for this year.”
