Not even a black eye could stop Margaret

By Arlene Kelly DESPITE THE best intentions and meticulous forward planning of Margaret Sutherland, she was almost prevented from completing her sponsored walk along the West Highland Way by a freak accident. Margaret, from Wick, explained, “I’ve raised money for other charities and hospices over the years and, after reading about CHAS in The Sunday Post, I decided to do something because it’s such a great cause.  “About a week before the walk, I somehow managed to fall off my bike and give myself a big black eye. “I had to go to Caithness General to get checked out. Apart from being a bit sore I was okay. Some people couldn’t believe I was still going to do the walk.” But Margaret was determined not to let the children down. As a carer in Seaview Nursing Home, Wick, she had persuaded her colleagues, residents and their families to donate as much as possible.  Generous Although they all gave generously, Margaret wasn’t finished. She said, “In my spare time I’m a member of a gardening club, so I managed to get everyone there involved too. Local businesses also gave generously.” Despite her initial determination, Margaret had to call on every ounce of self-discipline to finish the walk. She laughed, “My husband, Laird, and two grown-up sons, Colin and Graham, think I’m mad.  “But I was determined I’d go through with it, even though, as it turned out, I didn’t enjoy it at all. The walk was boring and horrible and I would have stopped on the first day if I hadn’t been doing it for CHAS.  “On the Friday it was pouring with rain, but when we finished on the Tuesday there was brilliant sunshine and it was all worth it.”  Margaret’s self sacrifice paid off. She raised £712.30. And she’s now planning another five-day walk in aid of CHAS, this time in Ireland, along the Wicklow Way and through Ballykissangel country.  Margaret laughed, “I think this one will definitely be my last!”

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