Dornoch man on course for the Himalayas in third Highland Hospice fundraising trek
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A adventure seeking fundraiser from Sutherland has set his sights on a hike across the Himalayas in his latest bid to raise money for Highland Hospice.
In what will be his third international expedition with the hospice team, Steve Farquharson, from Dornoch, will trek for ten days through the foothills of the Indian Himalayas.
Inspired to support the charity after the passing of a friend, Mr Farquharson completed a trek of the Grand Canyon in 2016, and followed that with a 10-day trek through the Canadian Rockies in 2018.
Between both of his previous expeditions, he has raised over £13,000 for the palliative care charity.
This year, Steve's trek will begin in Dharamsala, home of the Dalai Lama and the centre of the Tibetan community, and from there he will cover over 30 miles in five days, reaching altitudes of 11,000 feet.
His travels will take him through rhododendron forests, passing through Hindu settlements and Buddhist monasteries with stunning views of the mountains, while camping overnight in a tent. The challenge will conclude with an exploration of the Taj Mahal.
Mr Farquharson has already raised over £1100 towards his minimum target of £4000 for the hospice.
He said: "I haven't made the cause widely known yet, but I have been doing a bit of tin shaking, and have made some posters fixed on my car and my wife's car.
"I have also had a QR code made, which can be used to send donations electronically to my JustGiving campaign.
"A lot of people I know and have spoken to have also been very generous in making donations and sponsoring me."
He is now preparing to raise funds throughout the summer by attending Highland gatherings and village shows - and he plans to introduce an innovative new game to do so.
The retired furniture manufacturing company manager has been known to show his inventive side when it comes to raising money.
In 2016, he devised a 'smashing' way to raise funds by inviting people to have a go at breaking crockery with wooden balls, with mystery prizes on offer. He took his stall to various shows and gatherings across the county, having collected damaged and unsaleable china from charity shops across the region.
This year, the Dornoch resident plans to hit a hole in one when he unveils his latest fundraising initiative – 'baga-golf'.
Based on a traditional bagatelle board, the game has been designed as a bumper version of the classic pin-ball game, using an 8 feet by 4 feet plywood board and golf balls which players will 'ping' around the board in the hope of landing in a hole and winning a prize.
The board, which is still to be painted by local artists and have sound effects fitted, is expected to make its debut this summer.
"I will have a stand at the Sutherland County Show, the Dornoch Highland Gathering and Tain Highland Gathering, with prizes available for all who play.
"I would just be delighted if everybody who comes along makes a contribution, large or small."
To donate, or to find out more about Mr Farquharson's trek, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/bumblebeesteve.
