JESS THE CAT has travelled many more miles since first featuring on insideMoray back in May – but now the unique fundraising toy is set to take on his largest single challenge.
Jess’ adventures started back in February when he was ‘borrowed’ from a mail trolley at Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin by Staff Nurse Katy Larkworthy and Charge Nurse Diane Vass.
The pair decided that they wanted to raise funds for Chest, Heart and Throat Scotland (CHSS) – by doing something a bit different in 2016. So Jess was purloined and set the task of travelling the world in the company of friends from the hospital wherever they might be headed.
From the Australian Outback to Dubai and Hong Kong the little cat accompanied staff and friends on a journey that quickly took him well over 50,000 miles and counting – all the time raising funds through his own Just Giving Page with a target of £500 set.
Currently Jess has broken through that and is homing on a new £2000 target – and to help him on his way the toughest challenge yet, travelling through 26 miles of his own scenic Moray in the company of Kirsty Holtby as she takes on the Moray Marathon.
Kirsty has been training hard with Jess on tow (when he’s not gallivanting around the world) and will be lining up at Cooper Park in Elgin on Sunday for the ‘stroll’ around Moray.
She explained that she has a very special motivation for taking part in the event this year: “My Mum was treated on the Stroke Ward for many weeks before she sadly passed away in March – she was so well looked after by the ward (as were my family and I) that I’d love to help to promote their awareness and fundraising efforts.”
So look out and save a special cheer for Kirsty as she and Jess take on their 26.2mile challenge – and even if you can’t be there, make a donation for Jess’ – and Kirsty’s – challenge.