Great Spey ‘Canoedle’ raises thousands for life-saving Kingussie equipment
The second great ‘Kingussie to Kincraig Canoedle’ ended in triumph at the weekend with cake and champagne and more than £2200 donated to boost Badenoch’s growing fleet of High Street defibrillators.
A tragedy following a recent cardiac incident during a funeral service prompted Eppy Mackay and Parmi Kanda to boost the funds for maintaining the latest addition at Kingussie Parish Church.
After recreating their first expedition of 11 years ago in aid of leukaemia research, the heroic pair were welcomed to the beach at Loch Insh Outdoor Centre by a crowd of friends, neighbours and supporters.
Mrs Mackay, buoyed by the successful completion of her second only canoe expedition on the Spey, thanked all those who had helped with the venture.
“Parmi and I were not alone on this adventure. With fantastic support from the team at Loch Insh Watersports with boats and help with the launch down river at Kingussie, we were well guided by our co-pilots - and neighbours - Ollie and Lorna Bray, who kept us safe all the way.”
The Brays were certainly ready for the duty as they had recently spent 20 days canoeing on the Missinaibi River in Canada.
Safely back on firm ground, Mr Kanda told the Strathy: “The conditions were different from last time where things were quieter. This time we had the wind in our faces and the rapids were just that. But we’ve no complaints, we’re here in one piece!”
“Parmi and I are so grateful for all the help we have received in raising much-needed money for such a good cause - keeping people alive!” said Mrs Mackay.
“Although the defibrillator is already installed on the church drive it will be need to be maintained and there will have to be first aid sessions for those who need to know just how to use it.
“It’s good to know that the number of these fantastic machines is growing throughout the strath and that they save such vital seconds for those who may need them in an emergency, when every second counts.”
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