Walk aims to raise £1000 for Orkney lifeboat stations

MEMBERS of Burray and South Ronaldsay Lifeboat Guild, along with friends, are putting their best foot forward to raise money for the RNLI in Orkney by taking part in a marathon walk this month.

Helen Davidson from the guild explained: “We are raising funds for our local lifeboats here in Orkney.

“This year with all the Covid challenges we have faced, we have been unable to do any of our usual fundraising events. This would normally include the lifeboat day and raft race in Burray in August, and a bonfire where we would normally sell soup and rolls in October.

“Instead of this, in the month of January seven Burray lasses are walking the distance from the most northerly UK lifeboat station which is Aith in Shetland, to the most southern, St Heliar in the Channel Islands. This is a total of 963 miles that we will attempt to cover over the 31 days of January.”

Helen explained that herself and Deborah Sutherland from the guild are taking part, and joining them are friends Tracy Hourston, Julie Garriock, Joanna Sutherland, Sarah Jessen and Sammy Wilson.

Their fundraising and walking efforts got off to a great start this week already, with well over £600 pounds raised and over 150 miles covered, with those walking enjoying fine weather.

Helen explained that they are following all social distancing and Covid regulations, with folk keeping count of all the miles they are walking, so a total can be added together as they head towards their target.

Donations can be made online at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/helen-davidson-3 

Funds are being raised for the lifeboat stations in Kirkwall, Stromness and Longhope.