Young people with additional support needs and disabilities have embarked upon a vital fundraising walk covering the distance from Inverness to John O’ Groats.
Perspire Highland is a fundraising project organised and run by Inspire Highland, a group of young people advocating for awareness and equality.
Members of the group began a virtual walk of around 140 miles on Saturday with the aim of raising funds for Children in Need and Inspire Highland.
The walk was launched at an Inspire Highland day out, observing Covid-19 guidelines, at Nairn Beach.
It is expected that the groups will have completed the mileage to John O’Groats in time to finish on Friday, October 2.
The young people will do the actual walking in their gardens or local park and record the distance they cover.
Once a week, the number of miles travelled will be tallied up and the location reached by the walkers will be marked on an online map of the route from Inverness to John O’Groats.
There will be regular updates of the walkers’ progress on Facebook and Instagram, and supporters will be able to sponsor the walkers by donating online via their JustGiving page.
As well as clocking up the miles and raising money, the group plan to drop in on friends and local organisations along the way and meet up via Zoom for refreshments and a chat.
A special welcome event is planned for the group’s virtual arrival at the famous signpost in John O’Groats.
Perspire Highland is the brainchild of Inspire Highland member and veteran fundraiser Shona Beveridge.
The 20-year-old from Inverness was diagnosed four years ago with Niemann-Pick Type C, a degenerative genetic condition, and since then has raised thousands of pounds for charities.
Miss Beveridge, said: “I am keen to support BBC Children in Need because it helps to fund the clinical nurse specialist at the charity Niemann-Pick UK, who provide children and families affected by the condition with medical advice, home visits and support throughout their diagnosis.
“I don’t see my disability as a barrier. I see it as an opportunity to do things people don’t expect from me.”
Sarah Campbell from Inspire Highland will also take part in the walk and she said: “We’ll be raising money and also raising the profile of Inspire Highland. It’s a fantastic group that helps to give a voice to young people with additional support needs or disabilities – and gives us a chance to have great company and a chat.”
