A Highland nonagenarian has raised almost £400,000 for the NHS and charities at the half-way point of her staircase mountain challenge.
Margaret Payne said she is “completely overwhelmed by the generosity” of everyone who has donated so far.
The Ardvar resident, supported by her eldest daughter Nicky McArthur, set herself a challenge in April to climb the equivalent of local mountain, Suilven, on her stairs at home to raise money for the NHS, Highland Hospice and RNLI during the coronavirus pandemic.
To reach the ‘summit’, she needs to climb 2,398ft – or 282 flights of her 8.5ft staircase, with each flight containing 17 steps.
Today she reached the half-way mark, completing 141 flights and climbing 1,199ft so far.
To mark her success so far, Highland Hospice has created a special celebratory video.
Video by Craig Noble, Highland Hospice
After surpassing her initial fundraising target of £10,000 in less than a week, donations have now risen to more than £395,000.
Mrs Payne said: “I am completely overwhelmed and humbled by the generosity of everyone who has donated to this amazing cause. I would like to thank each and every one for their heart-warming messages of support and generous donations, which are providing greatly appreciated encouragement as I, slowly but surely, make my way up the mountain. I am very much looking forward to enjoying a good rest at the summit, and celebrating with my family and chosen charities.”
The 90-year-old was inspired by army veteran and national hero Captain Tom Moore, who raised more than £32 million for the NHS Charities Together by walking 100 laps of his garden ahead of his 100th birthday.
She also wanted to personally thank the national health service who took care of her late husband Jim, who passed away on Christmas Day last year. Mr Payne was heavily involved in local fundraising, particularly for the Highland Hospice and the RNLI.
Mrs Payne chose Suilven for her ‘staircase mountain’ as it is the only peak she has ever climbed due to persistent knee problems throughout her life.
She first reached the summit in 1944 at the age of 15, with her elder sister Elizabeth, two friends and dog Snowy, after being evacuated to Lochinver during World War II.
Her daughter Nicky, who is a New Zealand citizen but had returned to Scotland for her father’s memorial service in March when the Covid-19 crisis hit, said: “When Mum and I dreamt up this challenge, neither of us could have imagined what has happened since.
“We have been blown away by the support that has galvanised around her fundraising mission from family, friends and kind strangers all over the world. I have witnessed everyday how this encouragement has provided the fuel to keep Mum going, and it’s been fantastic for keeping her active and fit during this lockdown period.”
Mrs Payne hopes to complete her challenge by mid-June.
Andrew Leaver, head of fundraising at Highland Hospice, added: “As Margaret climbs the second half of the mountain we will be with her every step of the way – and if lockdown restrictions are lifted a few of us plan to climb Suilven itself on her last day so that we all reach the summit together.”
For further information and to make a donation please visit Margaret’s Virgin Giving page
