Source: John O'Groat Journal
A NORTH man is heading to the Amazon rainforest in Brazil next month to take part in a gruelling race for charity.
Kenny Paterson, an Orcadian who has lived in Thurso for the past 14 years, is to compete in the 200-kilometre event, which has to be completed in six stages from October 7 to 16.
"I was interested in going to the Amazon rainforest any-way so when I came across this event it seemed a great opportunity to see some real jungle," said Kenny. "I have been running for the last few years and was looking for a bigger challenge.
"For training I have been doing a lot of hill running as most of the race is over rough terrain."
Kenny (43) said around 100 competitors would take part. "There are some rivers to cross so I have been going to the pool to practice my swimming. We have to carry all our food and a hammock so I have been doing some runs with my backpack on to get used to that," he said.
"It was only after I signed up for the race that I decided to try and raise some money for charity as well. I am just really happy I have the health to be able to take part in such an event. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
"I would like to raise a few thousand pounds for the MS therapy centres in Wick and Orkney. The reason I chose these centres is they are local and provide an important therapy for MS patients.
"Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has also been found beneficial to people recovering from leg ulcers, frostbite, hepatitis C, Crohn's disease, ME, Raynaud's and other conditions."
Sponsor forms are available at the Co-op in Mount Pleasant, Thurso, Sinclair's butchers in MacArthur Street, Wick, Georgesons solicitors in Thurso and at the Bettyhill swimming pool. They can also be obtained from Jan Farrington, the treasurer of the Wick therapy centre, on 01641 531 209.
Meanwhile, Kenny who works for Subsea 7, will be attending an open afternoon at the chamber at the Braehead in Wick next Thursday between 2pm and 4pm. Tea, cakes, coffee and sponsorship forms will be available.
A group of schoolchildren from South Primary will be going along to meet Kenny as they are doing a project on the Amazon. He sets off for Brazil on October 3.