Bus driver scales new heights for Hospice

By Helen Bushnell

Published: 10 May, 2008

AN Inverness bus driver has added to the mountain of cash he has secured for Highland Hospice after conquering the world's highest free-standing peak.

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Alex MacKenzie, of Forest Drive, Balloch, scaled Kilimanjaro in Tanzania to raise £7,700 for the Inverness-based hospice which cares for people during their final days. It brings the total he has provided for the cause over the years to more than £18,500.

Alex, who drives for Stagecoach in the Inverness and Dingwall areas, has previously completed treks in Canada and Peru for the charity.

After putting in the training hours and tirelessly fundraising for the latest event, he reached Kilimanjaro's summit on March 20, along with a group of other hikers.

He recalled: "After four days of hard walking, our team of 16 departed at midnight for the summit ascent. This was very challenging and the 14 of us who reached the top were physically exhausted.

"We were very fortunate with the weather, it only rained for a couple of days and in fact we hit the summit in brilliant sunshine, giving us some spectacular views of Kilimanjaro's glaciers."

Linda Macdonald, the hospice's fundraising manager, said they were thrilled to have been chosen as the beneficiary from his mission.

She said: "Alex has supported our charity through his participation in the Great Wilderness Challenge for many years, but since we were first introduced to him in 2004, as well as continuing to support the Great Wilderness Challenge, he has also been to Machu Picchu in Peru, and scaled the notorious heights of Kilimanjaro."

Brave and selfless Alex MacKenzie completed the gruelling four-day trek to the top of Kilimanjaro, raising £7,700 for Highland Hospice in the process.

She added: "His tenacious commitment combined with his fundraising efforts is commendable. In total to date he has raised over £18,500 in aid of Highland Hospice. We can't thank him enough.

"Alex believes wholeheartedly in the hospice movement and greatly admires the work and services provided by the staff at Highland Hospice.

"His dedicated commitment to helping others is clearly demonstrated by the continuous support he receives from the passengers on his bus as well as from Stagecoach his employer.

"We would like to thank everyone who supports Alex MacKenzie and therefore Highland Hospice through his challenges," said Mrs Macdonald.

h.bushnell@highland-news.co.uk