DRIZZLE proved to be no damper yesterday to charity walkers and riders pounding along a north-east beach.
Around 100 walkers took part in an annual Sandwalk between Newburgh and Balmedie, while in a separate event 30 supporters joined in a sponsored ride along Balmedie beach to raise funds for Buchan branch of the Riding for the Disabled Association.
The beach ride took place from Menie Estate, near Balmedie, where American tycoon Donald Trump has outline planning permission for a golf resort. Yesterday Trump International Golf Links Scotland (TIGLS) executive vice-president Sarah Malone watched riders set out, and revealed an equestrian centre was also planned at Menie.
TIGLS was keen to support such charitable events as the RDA beach ride and the annual Sandwalk, she added.
Yesterday’s beach ride was organised jointly with Raymond Strachan, of the Ladymire Equestrian Centre at Logie, near Ellon. The event was expected to raise between £2,500 and £3,000 for the Buchan group. Ladymire has worked with the branch for the past two years to help provide riding experience and outings for disabled members.
“The beach ride is a great opportunity to raise much- needed funds, and it is a superb setting for the event,” said Buchan RDA branch vice-chairman Theresa Kennedy, of Auchmaliddie , New Deer.
The fourth annual Sandwalk organised by Ellon and Aberdeen Balgownie Rotary Clubs saw more than 100 walkers take on a six-mile beach walk from Newburgh to Sandhaven to raise funds for three causes, Cancer Link Aberdeen and North, Aberdeenshire Life Education Centres, and the charity for former members of the armed forces, Erskine.
Among the charity walkers were Kath Stewart, of Jesmond Road, and Deb Stout, of Ashwood Grove, both Bridge of Don, who raised £1,000 between them. They both work at the Mains of Scotstown Inn, Bridge of Don, which is the meeting place for the city Rotarians.
Cheering on entrants was Aberdeen wheelchair athlete Kenny Herriot, of Linksview Road, who had hoped to take part. A planned quad vehicle was not available, but Mr Herriot, who hand cycled across the US for charity earlier this year, turned out to inspire walkers who are expected to top last year’s charities total of £6,000.
