Elder, 80, on track to walk 100 miles to support air ambulance charity

An 80-year-old elder has almost completed a 100-mile walking challenge in a third of the allotted time.

Claudia Nicholson began her quest on 1 October and has already clocked up 84 miles in aid of Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) even though she has until 31 October to complete it.

A member of Peninsula Churches - Ardgour, Morvern and Strontian with Acharacle and Ardnamurchan - in the West Highlands, the retired district nurse midwife said she took on the formidable task to support crews and their life-saving work across Scotland.

SCAA is an integral part of Scotland's frontline emergency response network, responding to trauma incidents and medical emergencies across the country, covering an area of more than 30,000 square miles.

Working in partnership with the Scottish Air Ambulance, it currently operates two helicopters and two rapid response vehicles and transports patients to hospitals all over Scotland.

The fast response of SCAA, the country's only charity air ambulance, and its ability to reach the most remote and rural areas saves vital minutes when every second counts.

Life-saving expertise

Ms Nicholson of Strontian said: "This fundraising walk is not about me, it is about you and all of us.

"We never know when any of us or our loved ones may be in a situation where the SCAA could be needed.

"It provides such a vital service in rural areas such as the Highlands and Islands and flies people to hospitals across the country where they will get the treatment they need.

"There are many of us here, my family included, who are more than grateful for the speed, efficiency and expertise that the crews provide.

"They are absolutely splendid at the work that they do in situations where it is impossible to get access by road.

"It is a vital part of rural life and it is only us, as supporters and fundraisers, that can keep it going to help those most in need.

"If you see me walking during October please say 'hi' and, of course, any wee cash donations would be gratefully accepted."

Blessing

Wearing a hi-vis ,branded vest, Ms Nicholson has set up an online fundraising page to support the charity, which solely relies on donations to operate.

She said she feels "blessed" to be so fit at her age and her daily routine, outside the challenge, includes walking two miles most days from her home to a post office to buy a newspaper.

"I spotted a SCAA post about the 100 miles in October Challenge on Facebook and it was a spontaneous decision to get involved," explained Ms Nicholson, who has four adult children, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

"I thought ‘I could do that'.

"It is such a worthwhile cause and my family and friends are supportive.

"I am not wasting energy walking hill tracks, I am just walking on the road during the day because we do not have pavements and street lights.

"It is pushing me and that is what is satisfying about it - I would not have done it if the challenge was a two-mile dog walk round the park.

"I am walking alone but everyone round here knows me and people have stopped me to wish me well and donate money.

"I am feeling fine and making good progress although I cannot walk as fast as I used to.

"I have to work at it but I am confident I will have walked 100 miles before 31 October."

Shining example

Rev Donald McCorkindale, minister of the Peninsula Churches, described Ms Nicholson as an inspiration.

"Claudia is not only a dedicated elder but also a shining example of faith in action, both within the church and beyond," he said.

"Her commitment to raising funds for Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance through her October 100 mile walk is truly inspiring.

"At 80 years old, Claudia continues to make a remarkable impact in the wider community, demonstrating that age is no barrier to making a difference."