Badenoch backers hear of Big Hoof progress
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The Big Hoof from John o’Groats to Lands End, assisted by Badenoch’s own Highland Horse Fun, has now reached the Pennines, the Strathy has been told.
Ruaridh Ormiston, at Kingussie’s HHF, who helped Louis Hall (24) on his way at the top of Britain and has supplied the hoofs for the epic Cystic Fibrosis fundraiser, told us this morning (Sunday, August 16) that all was well with Louis and his beautiful six-year-old pony Irelanda, one of Badenoch’s finest.
“They’re on the Pennine Way now, over half way - and have notched up nearly £12,000. But they’re still collecting, everyone!
“We’re still very much in touch with Louis and planning to join up with him again for the big finish on September 12.”
On day 28 of the trek, Louis announced that he had reached ‘God’s own county’ at Drybeck, in Garsdale, with no less than 574 miles on the journey’s 1085-mile clock.
“Each step and each donation, big and small, goes to giving someone with CF the best chance of life,” said Louis.
Louis was seen off at the top of Britain by former Miss Scotland Natalie Oag, who own an equestrian centre at Lyth, and joined by Ruaridh.
He said that the trip is in memory of his friend Leo van Heyningen who died of cystic fibrosis in 2015.
"Leo was kind of adopted into our family like another cousin and was always around when I was growing up. When he died it just left such a huge space.
"Leo was an incredible inspiration, friend and human being to everyone he met. He chose to live his 26 years full of love and hope – he never wasted a second, and remains a hero to many."
Louis added that during the spread of the coronavirus, he realised how many people with underlying health issues, such as cystic fibrosis, would need serious help and support.
"Average life expectancy for someone with CF is 37 and there is no cure. But each and every day we get closer to finding something that will work.
"With each step that Irelanda and I take, and with every donation big and small, we will all be fighting this disease.
Strathy readers can share, donate and spread the word on justgiving Here
