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PICTURES: Drive for Black Isle care pod receives huge boost





Reece Mitchell.
Reece Mitchell.

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.

Fundraising effort for care pod for North Kessock lad Reece Mitchell with Ladies Day at R&B.
Fundraising effort for care pod for North Kessock lad Reece Mitchell with Ladies Day at R&B.

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.

Erica Campbell, Arlene McNeill, Ronnie Church, Lynda Dalgetty and Pauline Fiddes.
Erica Campbell, Arlene McNeill, Ronnie Church, Lynda Dalgetty and Pauline Fiddes.

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.”

Vikkie Louise, Shona Cameron, Suzan Walker, Leanda Donnelly and Anne MacLellan.
Vikkie Louise, Shona Cameron, Suzan Walker, Leanda Donnelly and Anne MacLellan.

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.”

Vikki McRobbie, Lynne Durno, Sharon Fraser, Jennifer Roger and Kerry Legge.
Vikki McRobbie, Lynne Durno, Sharon Fraser, Jennifer Roger and Kerry Legge.

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.

Lorraine MacPherson, Nicola and Rachel Grant and Helen Robertson.
Lorraine MacPherson, Nicola and Rachel Grant and Helen Robertson.

Highland Council has granted planning permission for the pod.

Helen Docherty, Jane MacLennan, Gill Howell and Samanatha and Kimberley Watson.
Helen Docherty, Jane MacLennan, Gill Howell and Samanatha and Kimberley Watson.

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