Community / Aith runner raises £5,000 in support of unpaid carers
THE LOCAL charity that supports unpaid carers in the isles received a substantial boost when runner Jimmy Nicolson handed them a £5,000 cheque recently.
Nicolson, from Aith, raised funds for the Shetland Care Attendants Scheme (SCAS) by running the Glasgow half marathon as a treat to mark his 43rd birthday.
SCAS office manager Karen Fraser described the sum raised as “phenomenal” and added that the money will go towards helping unpaid carers, many of whom are struggling to cope.
The Market House-based charity provides regular breaks to people who care for their loved ones in their own homes.
Nicolson said some his own family members have over the years enjoyed and appreciated the “valuable care” they have received from the charity.
“Dad especially enjoyed the daytime runs in the car with Norma to some of his favourite places, and in particular stopping to look at sheep in the parks while enjoying an ice-cream on a fine day,” he said.
“He also enjoyed the company of SCAS personnel who came along for a yarn in an afternoon and would share lightsome stories.
“They also provided an overnight service which ensures the carer can be well rested on regular occasions.” Nicolson added that he had run the same race exactly 10 years ago, when his time at 1 hour and 52 minutes was slightly faster than this time round.
He said he would like to thank everyone who had donated and added special thanks to the Aith Charity Shop “for their generous donation”.
Fraser herself is off to Nice with friends and family to run the French Riviera marathon on Sunday to raise fund for the charity she manages.
She said SCAS is keen to reach out to any unpaid carer in the isles who might be unaware of their services. The charity can be contacted on 01595 743932.
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