FOUR charity walkers returned home today after a 160 mile trek in aid of housing and homelessness charity Shelter Scotland.
Shelter Scotland employees Fiona King, Murdo Mathison, James Battye and Zoe McGuire raised £5,700 – enough money to help 570 people facing homelessness or bad housing access the charity’s national helpline.
The team, made up of policy and campaigns staff, embarked on the five day walk from Inverness to Glasgow on March 30 and arrived at their destination late on April 3 having walked 32 miles per day – raising over £35 for every mile they walked.
Murdo, James, Zoe and Fiona raised almost £6000
Fiona King, Policy Officer at Shelter Scotland, who returned to work only the day after completing the walk, said: “This was by far the most challenging thing any of us have ever done and at times we didn’t think we would make it to the finishing line.
“Towards the end of the first day we were already exhausted, cold and wet – not to mention the blisters on our feet – but that is nothing compared to the hardship and uncertainty faced by 160,000 families and individuals in Scotland on the waiting list for a home. That is what motivated us to keep going.”
Fiona King added: “To make matters worse the last two days were spent fighting high winds, rain and eventually even snow – but we made it. We’re grateful to everyone who has supported us and helped us raise £5,700 for a very worthwhile cause. We’re going to continue raising money once we’re back on our feet, and hope to reach our £10,000 target.”
Graeme Brown, Director of Shelter Scotland, said: “We are always very grateful and honoured when people choose to raise money for Shelter Scotland. Our staff work very hard all year round to help those in housing need, but it’s fantastic to see Fiona, Murdo, James and Zoe go that extra mile in their own time. All of their colleagues are in awe of their exceptional effort and look forward to seeing them back at work after a well deserved rest.”
Donations can be made to the Huge Shelter Walk at www.justgiving.com/huge160miles or text HUGE60 £(amount) to 70070.
