Recently the Great Wilderness Challenge donated two new cough assist machines to the Chest Unit at Raigmore Hospital, Inverness. The machines cost £3000 each, and will be of invaluable assistance to the unit in dealing with respiratory problems, enabling patients with muscular diseases, polio and breathing difficulties to cough properly.

Lachie Smith, an Inverness resident, who suffers from polio, was the first to try out one of the machines. Mr. Smith explained that before getting the use of the machine he would have to visit the hospital at least three times a year, for a week each time. Now he can get a machine home for a couple of days and easily clear his airways. Raigmore's respiratory specialist nurse, Cathie Dunn said benefits extend to doctors, patients, physiotherapists and nursing staff, as it could be used throughout the hospital with patients from other wards. Patients who are recovering from surgery can have problems, so the machine can be used by physiotherapists for that purpose.

The machines were handed over to ward consultant Dr. Geoffrey Hulks by Mrs. Louise Mackenzie from Inverness. In August Mrs. Mackenzie completed her 12th consecutive GWC, and is one of the highest ever fundraisers in the event.

She said "It gives me great pleasure to see these machines coming to where they are so badly needed. Everything the Great Wilderness Challenge supports are causes in desperate need and it is just a great feeling to know that the equipment will benefit so many people."