New heights for charity challengers

The gruelling charity challenge involved tackling the highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales — all within 24 hours — to raise money for the Giffnock charity, which supports adults and children with learning disabilities and mental health problems.

Cosgrove CEO Walter Hecht, personalisation co-ordinator Vaili Whittall, treasurer Paul Shafar and senior support worker Chris Harding were joined by supporter Angela Susskind to brave the elements — and new heights.

Walter said: “This was a new type of fundraising activity for us and I’m so glad I took part.

“This was definitely a challenge, but we had a lot of laughs along the way and we are all delighted to have raised so much money.

“At the outset, we were hoping to raise £4,000 — so to raise £7,000 is amazing! Everyone was so supportive and we’d like to say thanks.”

Team Cosgrove are still accepting donations at mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/walterhecht1.

The Marie Curie Glasgow Southside Fundraising Group have also been raking in the charity cash recently, having totalled almost £10,000 in the volunteer group’s first few months.

The fundraisers joined forces at the end of 2013 to raise money for the Marie Curie community nursing service and hospice.

Group secretary Vicky joined the group as a thank you for the support provided for her mother when she was terminally ill with cancer.

She said: “The Marie Curie nurses were a godsend — all the nurses were special and always made Mum feel like a friend and not a patient.

“Marie Curie made it possible for my mum to die peacefully at home with her family and for this I will always be grateful.”

The southside team are looking for more volunteers to add to their ever-growing total, and anyone intersted in joining can contact Susan Cuthbert on 557 7561 or [email protected].