NorthLink employee raises £50k for charities

A PASSENGER service supervisor on the NorthLink ferry Hjaltland has raised more than £50,000 over the past decade for various charities.

Shetlander Kathryn Fullerton has picked a different charity to fundraise for each year for the last 11 years.

Last month she surpassed the £50k mark after she raised £1,500 for Motor Neurone Disease Scotland.

Other causes she has supported over the years include the kidney dialysis unit at the Gilbert Bain Hospital, mental health charity Mind Your Head and Clan Cancer Support.

Fullerton began raising money after her own mother passed away.

“She had been receiving kidney dialysis treatment at the Gilbert Bain Hospital at home in Shetland and I was blown away by how well she was treated by the staff at the hospital,” Fullerton said.

“It spurred me to action to raise money for the unit, so that others can continue benefitting from this same high level of service.”

She continued: “I find it very rewarding to raise money for so many worthy charities.

“Each year I pick a new charity to support, and I always find a cause that’s close to a colleague or friend’s heart, which makes the fundraising efforts all the more special in my eyes.”

Her fundraising activities have ranged from abseiling the side of the children’s hospital in Aberdeen to getting her head shaved with fellow NorthLink crew members.

Every year she also organises a sponsored walk with colleagues and friends.

Stuart Garrett, Serco NorthLink’s managing director, said: “Kathryn is a hugely valued member of our team, and we are very grateful to her for organising so many fantastic fundraising activities that all our crew, shore staff, and passengers can get involved in.

“The £50,000 milestone now reached is a testament to Kathryn’s hard work and dedication, and I congratulate her on this outstanding achievement.”

Fullerton has no plans of finishing either: “Of course, there’s no way I’m stopping now.

“First and foremost, it’s important to raise money for these worthy charities, but I’ve also made so many friends through my fundraising over the years.

“I find it a great way to stay connected with the local communities. I get a lot out of it.”

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