GOOD CAUSES AND LOCHABER GENEROSITY Iain Ferguson People and businesses across Lochaber are noted for their willingness to support good causes and help those who organise and take part in them. In the run up to the Scottish Six Days Trial, local bikers and entrants Gary MacLennan and Paul Paterson set themselves a challenge to raise money for local Macmillan nurses and support their caring role, of which they have had personal experience. Fundraising on social media started a few months before the event and they also put in a great deal of time preparing their 40-year-old Italian ‘Fantic 200’ bikes to take part. With competitor numbers 245 for Paul and 285 for Gary, the pair brought up the rear of the parade through the High Street to waves and cheers from the many local people who knew about their intentions. They took part in every stage of the trial and while not amongst the medal winners, put in a great performance on probably the oldest bikes taking part. Although costumes were not allowed to be worn on bikes during the parade, as they have been in previous years, on the last stage at Rocky Brae in
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Fort William they became Top Gun’s Maverick and George Michael for added fun and to raise awareness of their mission. However, they and the Macmillan Nurses were the real winners by raising £13,000 by the end of trials week, raising far more than they expected, with many participants from across the world making a donation. Just a week before, a show of ‘the world in miniature’ also raised a large sum which was distributed amongst charities which greatly benefit the community. Like the trial, the
Lochaber Model Show was making a welcome return after a couple of years of Covid postponement. The main hall of the Nevis Centre was packed with tables showing models of everything from aircraft and ships to dolls houses and diggers, all expertly built and showing incredible attention to detail. Organiser and expert model maker Robert Wilson, who featured in the March edition of Lochaber Life, was delighted at the attendance of exhibitors and spectators which raised around £2,000 for charities through entrance fees.
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07/06/2022 14:25:15
