PICTURES: Drive for Black Isle care pod receives huge boost
A community drive to secure £60,000 for a “care pod” for a terminally ill Black Isle lad has been given a huge boost.
Donna Mitchell wants the demountable pod to ensure her six-year-old son Reece, who suffers from the currently incurable Batten disease, is as comfortable as possible.
Ms Mitchell, of North Kessock, was able to attend the ladies' night event organised by well-wisher Karen Sutherland, who said she had been inspired by her fellow Black Isler’s strength of spirit.
Ms Mitchell is now more than 80 per cent towards her target for the pod which is being built by Carbon Dynamic in Easter Ross. She said: “It took my breath away how much was raised. Karen has worked incredibly hard. Saying thank you doesn’t seem like enough. The support of people means so much to me.”
Ms Sutherland, who now lives in Inverness, said: “I came up with the idea but it was everyone else’s support that made it happen. The reason I got involved was because I read Donna’s story. I’d never met her before and I was truly touched at what a strong woman she was.”
The event, for which all 70 tickets were sold, was staged at R&Bs in Inverness. Ms Sutherland additionally helped to organise a giant raffle with scores of prizes, with the £5 tickets going a huge way towards the total amount raised.
Highland Council has granted planning permission for the pod.
