Our latest cash giveaway could breathe new life into an Inverness support group.
For the Cheerful Chesters are the latest winners of the monthly cash award from the Loch Ness Rotary club, backed by the Highland News.
The Raigmore-based group, which provides a weekly exercise session for those with respiratory problems, will now receive £300 to help pay for new exercise equipment for its 56 members aged 58 to 95.
The donation is part of a cash giveaway by Loch Ness Rotary Club worth thousands of pounds this year, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its charter.
It has teamed up with the Highland News to run the programme, aimed at grassroots causes rather than the bigger high-profile charities.
Each month, a lucky group, individual or charity in the Inverness area receives a cash boost of £300 to put to good use.
Maureen Fraser, chairperson of Cheerful Chesters said: "We are thrilled to receive this money, it is a lovely surprise.
"Most of the helpers and members of the group suffer from a respiratory problem, and I head a committee of eight who organise spending and trips to prevent social isolation.
"With the group growing so much lately, we need to buy new equipment for the members to use. This includes ankle weights and exercise balls.
"Our physiotherapist is Minty Duncan, who used to be the chief respiratory physiotherapist at Raigmore Hospital.
"It is our 10th anniversary next year, and we have held two coffee mornings to raise more money than usual so we can do something special to celebrate. The money is a great help, as it means we can concentrate on that knowing we have up-to-date facilities to use."
Maureen, (69) first got involved with Cheerful Chesters when her husband Iain Fraser, who died earlier this year of his respiratory disease, started attending classes to assist his treatment.
Maureen said her husband was passionate about the group.
"Not everyone can attend each week because of poor health, ?unfortunately. Normally 30 attend the classes, but next year we want to see everyone involved in our birthday celebrations.
"We are hosting a lunch in May, which is when the group first met in 2001, which every member, past and present, is invited to."
Alistair Norrie, President of the Loch Ness club said, "We are really pleased to be awarding this month's £300 to such a worthwhile cause that we know will help so many people in the group.
"The fact that this group will celebrate their 10th birthday next year makes the presenting of November's award all the more pertinent as the initial concept behind the Charter Charities came about as a result of the Loch Ness Rotary Club's 20th anniversary.
"We know that the group will use the money to help the many members of the Cheerful Chesters at a time when money and donations to charities in general have been seen to be reducing.
"So on behalf of the club members, I would wish the group all the very best for the future."
Cheerful Chesters meets every Monday at 11am at Raigmore Community Centre. Call 0131 225 6963 for info.
