Blisters, midgies and field rations: more FNF fundraising

Simon Shaw has declared himself “mad, but glad” after successfully completing a five day, 55 mile epic paddle by kayak up Loch Ness to raise funds for Families Need Fathers Scotland last month.

“It was the most amazing feeling to get to Inverness and have a hot shower and a cold pint. I had plenty of blisters on my hands. I was really tired but really pleased we did it.”

Simon and two friends who were raising funds for other charities devoted a week of their summer holiday to the challenge. “It was raining most of the time. I’ve never seen midgie clouds like it. They were certainly after us but we were prepared with sprays and repellents.” 19 bites on one arm indicates he may have missed a bit.

“It was great that there were three of us to tackle the portage – unloading the gear and carrying it and the three kayaks – round the locks. At Fort Augustus that was  a 750m trek.You tend to forget about that bit in the planning!”

The three camped on the banks of Loch Ness each night and dined royally on boil in the bag food and MoD field rations. “Field rations sounds a bit like roughing it but they’re really proper meals!” said Simon. “The route was dictated by the weather. We were mostly 20 or 30 metres from the shore. Loch Ness can work up 3 or 4 foot waves in a matter of minutes. There was one amazing instant though when I was in the middle of the Loch and a sudden silence descended. There wasn’t a sound in the air or a ripple on the water. I just stopped to listen.  Utterly memorable.”

Simon  raised £250  for FNF Scotland through sponsorship and is applying to the match-funding scheme run by his employers, Royal Bank of Scotland, to double the money.  He chose to raise funds for Families need Fathers in recognition of the support it gave his father many years ago. “I think we owe our good relationship now and the fact I have a whole side of my family that could have been lost when he and my mum separated.”

Simon is already planning his next fund-raising venture though it is a fair bet it won’t involve water, paddles or midges.

MASSIVE THANKS to his work colleagues, family and friends for all their donations, support and best wishes, you know who you are!

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