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Grateful dad among group of businessmen cycling North Coast 500 to raise money for the Archie Foundation


By Ali Morrison

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The Dynamic Edge cycle team prepares to do the North Coast 500 for the Archie Foundation.
The Dynamic Edge cycle team prepares to do the North Coast 500 for the Archie Foundation.

A group of businessmen are getting on their bikes to tackle the North Coast 500 (NC500) route in five days for a children’s charity.

The team which sets off on Monday aims to raise at least £7500 for the Archie Foundation whose work includes supporting children in hospital and their families.

Stuart Winterburn, managing director of IT specialist Dynamic Edge, will be joined by colleagues, senior software developer Gordon MacRae, and director Stephen Laurie, as well as Castlehill Housing Association’s chief executive David Lappin for the gruelling challenge.

The Archie Foundation is particularly close to the hearts of Mr Winterburn and his wife, Claire, as their daughter Emma received excellent care and attention from staff at Raigmore Hospital’s children unit seven years ago.

Then aged three, Emma required urgent care and spent time in high dependency after being diagnosed with pneumonia.

Emma Winterburn was cared for by staff at Raigmore Hospital.
Emma Winterburn was cared for by staff at Raigmore Hospital.

Further tests showed she had a rare strain of flu and she was treated in hospital for a week until her condition improved.

"The staff there were absolutely out of this world," Mr Winterburn said.

"The nurses in particular were not just dealing with a sick child, but they also knew exactly how to deal with a very worried and apprehensive parent.

"We will always be so grateful for the care we received at that difficult and stressful time."

On subsequent visits he has seen first hand the massive improvements with the new Highland Children’s Unit following a £2 million fundraising campaign by the Archie Foundation in conjunction with the Strathy's sister title the Inverness Courier.

"To be able to see the incredible difference Archie has made to the unit and to see the impact Archie has had in supporting the great work of the NHS in the Highlands really is so heartwarming," he said.

The Dynamic Edge team, based in Inverness and Aberdeen, has been a staunch supporter of Archie, helping to raise funds over the years.

"We have all taken on charity challenges in the past, but this will be the toughest one yet for me, as we know how hilly and difficult the route will be," Mr Winterburn said.

"We’ve all been in training, and I think we are feeling really energised about it and can’t wait to get going.

"Raising funds for Archie is absolutely our priority, but there is also an element of personal achievement that is driving us too."

Emma Winterburn pictured this summer.
Emma Winterburn pictured this summer.

The team will tackle the NC500 from west to east, taking slight detours to the route to avoid the A9 for safety reasons.

Rob Hamilton, Dynamic Edge chief executive, said the company took great pride in supporting local causes and held the Archie Foundation in the highest regard.

"I wish the team all the best as they tackle the North Coast 500 and would urge everyone to dig deep to support this tremendous effort," he said.

Archie chief executive Paula Cormack said: "We can’t thank the Dynamic Edge team and their supporters enough for their magnificent and ongoing support of Archie.

"This is a massive challenge and we hope they manage to find time to enjoy the spectacular views around the NC500 as they raise vital funds for local children and their families."

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/de-nc500


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