Seven-month-old Jack Couper started this year’s Wastside Smiles walk, with a little help from his mother Kristen.
The 12th annual event took place on Sunday in fine weather, and 190 people turned out. They walked, ran or rolled through Skeld, Wester Skeld and Reawick, among them locals, holidaymakers and people using the day as part of their training.
Who finished first
There were three routes: one, three and seven miles. Nine-year-old Freija Colquhoun from Skeld led the one-mile walkers alongside Bertha Reid, who has taken part in every Wastside Smiles since it began in 2008. Ten-year-old Bobby Peterson and Monica Moncrieff were first across the line on the three-mile route. Norrie Lyall won the seven-mile route.
Lou Jackson and Laurence Hunter completed the course in their wheelchairs. They are training for the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run in Glasgow this October and are fundraising for Ability Shetland.
Walking for causes
Several groups used the day to raise money for their own charities. Joe Fraser, 11, and Kari Fraser, eight, both from Skeld, did a sponsored walk for Michaelswood in Aith and Da Sand Gairdins. Sophie Eunson, 12, also from Skeld, walked to fund cancer care packs for people having treatment in Shetland.
Shona Drummond, Ian Anderson, Billy Anderson, Iona Wilson, Jamie Wilson and Marianne Clark are preparing to climb Ben Nevis for Shetland Bereavement Support Service and the Scottish Ambulance Service First Responders, in memory of Amy Arthur. Andrea Racekova and Dom Bogle recently finished the Simmer Dim Half Marathon, raising money for Mind Your Head in memory of Erin Quinn.
Back at the hall
Finishers got Wastside Smiles water bottles, bananas, sweets, medals and certificates. Inside the hall, tables filled for the traditional Sunday teas, and sideshows and games kept the children busy through the afternoon.
The fundraising total is still being counted and will be announced later. Organiser Sharon Deyell thanked everyone who took part, donated, baked or helped prepare the hall. “It was a day full of smiles, and that is exactly what Da Wastside Smiles is all about,” she said.
Sources
- Wastside Smiles event sees almost 200 take part at 12th annual event
- Smiles all round as Wastside fundraiser runs up £3k for Viking Genes
