Hospice chief Kenny takes fundraising in his stride

KENNY Steele's commitment to Highland Hospice extends far beyond his day job as chief executive. A keen runner in his spare time, he goes the extra mile to raise vital funds for the charity.

He will be among the entrants next weekend in Skye's the Limit, the hospice's new 37-mile duathlon – having earlier this month completed another tough sponsored trek, the Great Wilderness Challenge, in Wester Ross.

The intrepid Kenny takes it all in his stride as he is happy to do whatever he can to support the hospice while also relishing the opportunity to explore the spectacular landscapes of the Highlands and Islands.

He said: "I recently did the 13-mile route of the Great Wilderness Challenge, a fantastic running and walking event that has been raising an incredible amount of money for the hospice for over 20 years, and I am now gearing up for our brand new Highland Hospice duathlon in Skye on Saturday September 8th.

"Skye's the Limit consists of a 9.5-mile walk/run, and then a 27.5-mile cycle, passing some of Skye's most recognised landmarks including the Cuillin hills, the bay at Camasunary and the glen under the impressive slopes of Bla Bheinn.

"We hope the duathlon will become an iconic event – and, with the route taking participants through some of the most beautiful scenery the Highlands has to offer, we are confident it will.

"I enjoy the challenge of taking part in such events, and they are an important part of our fundraising efforts here at the hospice. I would urge everyone to take a look at our fundraising calendar, which is packed full of a wide range of great events, and get involved."

Kenny is delighted that funds are being further boosted by Hospice Lucky Numbers – a new prize draw in which the Strathspey and Badenoch Herald will be supporting Highland Hospice while also giving one of our readers a chance to win a substantial sum of cash each week.

"I think Hospice Lucky Numbers is a fantastic way of supporting your local hospice – not only are you helping raise funds for us by entering, you have the chance to win a big cash prize too," he said.

"The Strathspey and Badenoch Herald makes no money from this and in fact has demonstrated its commitment to Highland Hospice by funding all the set-up costs for Hospice Lucky Numbers.

"We would like to thank the Strathspey and Badenoch Herald for running the draw, and we hope it will be a great success."

Kenny pointed out that although the hospice has a strong support base it is vital that funds keep coming in to pay for essential services which help people throughout the region.

"The current economic climate is very challenging for us, as it is for everyone," he said. "We have to think hard about how we can ensure we maintain the services required.

"NHS Highland provides us with a substantial grant and we are extremely grateful for its support. Fundraising is a vital source of income – from corporate and community events, individual donations and sponsorship, people are so generous.

"Our retail arm of 11 charity shops also remains part of our core income, and our volunteers make a massive contribution to this."

Kenny pointed out that upgrading work will be required at the main hospice building at Ness House in Inverness, while there is also a need to continue developing services in outlying areas.

"Over the past 25 years, Highland Hospice has served the people of the Highlands extremely well. But the inpatient unit was built 25 years ago and now needs modernisation," he said.

"To make the best use of this building to deliver care for the future will require significant funding.

"Another challenge is how we support people across the Highlands. We want to achieve as much equity of service as possible across what is a very challenging geographical area.

"We currently have outreach day hospices in Dornoch, Portree, Fort William and Thurso, and these have been well received by the local communities.

"We're exploring how technology can help to offer support and care to more people in their own homes – perhaps using Skype to bring doctors virtually into patients' homes to speak directly with them and their carers.

"Someone living in Inverness can pop in to the hospice any time they need to have a chat with someone. We want someone living in Bettyhill to be able to do the same, without having to face a three or four-hour journey both ways. Bringing the hospice even closer to the community would be a great achievement.

"We're also investigating how social networking and websites could provide support and enhance delivery of information on palliative care to local health professionals.

"It's all about delivering care equitably across the Highlands."

Kenny took on the role of chief executive in June last year and is responsible for ensuring the hospice is equipped to continue delivering the highest standards of palliative care.

As part of his introduction to the work of the hospice, he met founders Flora Mackay and Cecilia Bottomley.

"Highland Hospice has had an amazing journey," he said. "Flora and Cecilia are two fantastic individuals who were caring for people dealing with cancer.

"They had a vision of the need for a hospice in the Highland community – and they are an inspiration.

"It is amazing to think this all started at grass roots with determined volunteers who raised the funds to establish what is now a significant organisation in the Highlands.

"I have seen how the hospice does a fantastic job supporting people and enhancing their lives. Everyone involved should see that as a fantastic achievement."

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