A team of local business people are planning to climb the height of Mount Everest to raise funds for charity – without ever leaving the Highlands.
Over five days the team of 22 plan to cover 400 miles with more than 25,500ft in ascent, the equivalent of Everest, to raise funds for the Highland Hospice’s project build appeal.
The team, who have set themselves an incredible £100,000 fundraising target, are going to cycle from Wick to Durness, and then on to Ullapool and Broadford on the Isle of Skye, before cycling to Fort William and then heading back to Inverness between Tuesday, May 26 and Saturday, May 30.
On Saturday the team arranged a bucket collection at Tesco at Inverness Retail Park to help with their fundraising efforts.
Willie Gray, of William Gray Construction is one of the team members.
He said: “We had a great day on Saturday and it hopefully raised awareness of our big cycle in May. The team have set themselves a really tough challenge and we have been in training for several months already, but we are determined to raise as much money as possible to support Highland Hospice and their rebuild appeal as we continue to be amazed by the work they do for the Highland community.”
The Everest team are raising money for the hospice’s project build appeal which has been launched to raise the funds required to rebuild the Highland Hospice inpatient unit on the riverside site in Inverness.
The charity hopes to be able to upgrda a number of facilities, as well as doubling the size of their inpatient unit by building more rooms and improved family accommodation.
They are aiming to raise £4.5million for the appeal, with around £2.6million already raised.
Construction is due to start in May this year and fundraising will continue throughout the 14 month building period.
To sponsor the team visit- www.virginmoneygiving.com/everesthighlanderscycle