Great Wilderness Challenge News

 Proposed 25^th Anniversary Video

We have had many enquiries about producing a commemorative DVD of this year’s event. The committee has looked into it, obtained quotes from professional companies, and concluded that the considerable production costs involved could not feasibly be offset by DVD sales alone. The only way the venture could be justified would be by attracting sponsorship  to cover production, with any subsequent profits going to a charity, which after all is our raison d’être. Unless that happens, we feel the project  cannot be a viable proposition.

This year, in lieu of sending out Christmas cards to all our supporters, we are giving a donation to a very deserving Highland charity, especially appropriate at this time of year – The Highland HomelessTrust. The Trust provides a range of specialist services that are designed to prevent homelessness in the region, and help socially disadvantaged people to develop a sustainable future in the community. Our donation will be £1000, virtually equivalent to the expenditure involved in our usual Christmas mailshot.

Dr Iain White, Burghead passed away suddenly after a short illness on Wednesday 21st October, while on a family holiday in Gran Canaria. Iain, who was 58, was a close relative of several GWC committee members, and had completed the Challenge on eleven occasions. Our sympathies are extended to his wife Ann and family Mairi, Callum and Sandy in their sad loss.

 The GWC reached a notable milestone in recent months when a cheque to a charity took the overall grand total over the £2 million pound mark (current total stands at £2,115,000).  Since the start of the event in 1986, when £6,200 was raised for Highland Hospice,each year has produced improved figures for distribution to charities, culminating in a fantastic new record of £220,000 in 2008.

Well done everybody!