What Kate did next was raise lots of cash       

By Kathryn Mainds KATE BIRRELL, from Freuchie, is turning 30 this year. It’s a landmark birthday and with time flying by Kate realised there were still so many things she wanted to achieve.  So in November she drew up a list of 10 things she wanted to do before she reached the milestone.

Kate with her “to do” list and a guide to Peru.

It included giving blood, a parachute jump, riding a rollercoaster, walking the West Highland Way and raising money for charity with a trek round Peru.  But, hang on, which charity?  After reading about our campaign in The Sunday Post, there was no thinking to be done. It had to be CHAS. Peru  Kate is a good few steps closer to ticking off her latest challenge as she’s currently on a 100-mile trek in Peru, walking her way to almost £3000 for CHAS when all her efforts are added up. Her trek across the mountainous country will last for 10 days and was organised by Across The Divide, a company who set up charity events and challenges. She’ll have 15 companions to keep her company, who are all raising money for their own chosen causes. When Kate approached CHAS they were thrilled. Kate then had to set about arranging several fund-raising events as well as gathering sponsorship for the trek, as Across The Divide recommend you raise at least £2500 for your charity. Kate works at the Lomond Hills Hotel in Freuchie so immediately had the advantage of being able to use the hotel as a venue. Wonderful  She beamed, “The owner, Ronnie Dick, has been wonderful. I couldn’t have done it without the support of the hotel.” First on the diary was a Ladies’ Burns Night in January, held in the function room of the hotel. Kate smiles, “We had The Fool Monty there, a bunch of guys from Stirling Council who strip for charity. They’re all shapes and sizes and were good fun. “A few young guys who work here play in a band called State of Affairs, and they did a gig for us.” But the most terrifying moment for Kate was when she had to do a recital.  “I’m not used to public speaking and I had to recite The Immortal Memory.” However, Kate pulled it off and raised £1200 towards her target on the night, thanks to the 60 generous women who came along and the hotel’s suppliers who gifted food, drink and raffle prizes. Last month, when St Patrick’s Day was approaching, her colleague Lynne — a big fan of Irish music — suggested they hold a St Paddy’s night.  Lomond Ceilidh Band’s accordionist Alan Small provided the music and a rare time was had by all, with some Guinness hats auctioned off to raise even more cash. There was even an Irish quiz — in addition to the monthly quiz nights Kate organises, which raise £100 a time. Kate’s last big fund-raiser before she set off was a family ceilidh, again at the hotel, which reeled in £782. Fantastic  Kate’s been to Rachel House and is pleased to be supporting such a worthwhile cause. “It’s the most fantastic place ever.  “And they do so much work for the brothers and sisters of the sick kids.” Not content with raising almost £3000, Kate now wants to do voluntary work for CHAS. “I’d like to maybe do a couple of hours a week at the shop or perhaps even help out at Rachel House itself.” She added, “It’s an amazing place. The amount of money they raise is a huge achievement.  “The new hospice at Loch Lomond is much needed, as Rachel House is bursting at the seams.” Next

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