Hurling down 124ft high zip line as Batman and Robin – intrepid grannies recall Haven Centre fundraiser
An exhilarating ride on the UK’s most northerly zip line by two intrepid grandmothers dressed as superheroes Batman and Robin has been just one of the many fundraisers for the Haven Centre.
Batman insisted on applying lipstick for the occasion, according to Robin, while Batman recalled being first in line to make the descent from a 124ft high cliff.
From taking part in concerts and coffee mornings to epic cycle rides and skydiving, the public has taken the £4.8 million fundraising appeal to its hearts.
Lifelong friends Irene Pearson and Norma Gault, of Inverness, are among the stalwart supporters, raising thousands of pounds from various ventures including ceilidhs, race nights and quizzes.
One of the most memorable was when the pair hurled themselves off the cliff at the Golden Eagle Zip Line at Durness beach in a joint 75th birthday celebration.
“It was hilarious,” recalled Mrs Gault, who dressed as Batman.
“We had a party with friends and family the night before and on the night after we did it too.
“It was great fun.”
It also raised £3500 but over the years the pair and their supporters have probably raised about £10,000.
Mrs Gault (79) and her husband Billy have a son and three daughters and three granddaughters and a grandson.
She and Mrs Pearson became involved in supporting the Haven Appeal from the very beginning through their membership of the Singing For Pleasure Group which meets at Merkinch Community Centre and is run by Elsie Normington – founder of the Elsie Normington Foundation which launched the appeal.
“I think it is such a worthy cause,” Mrs Gault said. “All the parents of these children need a break.”
One of her daughters, who lives in southern England, has also been inspired to support the project, raising £730 by running the Bristol half marathon.
Mrs Pearson and her husband, Graham, have two sons and two granddaughters.
“I would not like anyone to think we have raised the money on our own,” she said.
“We have had a lot of help from a lot of people.”
She will turn 79 next month but is already thinking about how the pair could mark their 80th birthdays with a fundraiser.
“Next year is the big one,” she said. “I did wonder about a skydive but apparently we are too old!”
However, the pair have already signed up as volunteers for the community café at the centre.
“We are still continuing to help,” she said.
Another long time supporter is Scott Halkett who as a 10-year-old, made and sold popcorn and candyfloss to his schoolfriends.
Last year, he and his girlfriend, Erin Murdoch, did a fundraising skydive as part of a team.
The son of Inverness Christian Fellowship pastors Robbie and Karen Halkett, he is one of three brothers, one of whom has autism.
“He doesn’t have it severely but it definitely opened the door to seeing how much it has a bearing on other families,” said the now 19-year-old who is currently studying Scots and English Law at the University of Aberdeen.
He said he was aware of the fundraising appeal soon after it was launched by Elsie Normington.
“I wanted to do my bit,” Scott said. “I’d got a wee popcorn machine for my birthday and it gave me the idea to sell popcorn and candyfloss. I think I raised about £90 at the time.”
He added: “The Haven Centre is going to be a really good environment for children and their families and to be surrounded by other families they can relate to.”
The Haven Centre, which will include an indoor specialist play area with child care facilities, a community café, meeting spaces, and an outdoor garden, will be Scotland’s first multiple-purpose centre for children and young people with learning disabilities and complex needs. It will be in Murray Road, Inverness.
