“Each step made lighter thanks to your immense support and encouragement”

The Council’s Graeme Mainland, who is learning to live with Multiple Sclerosis, never imagined when he signed up to ‘The 50k in May’ walking fundraiser the level of support that was out there. 

Graeme was joined on the challenge by wife, Elizabeth and sister-in-law Jennifer Ratter, and together they had hoped to raise £750 towards MS research and better treatments. 

By day one the tally was at £1k – and up to this point they have collectively raised a staggering £6,270, plus £1,251.29 in Gift Aid – a total of more than £7,500 that has blown them off their feet! 

Graeme said: “When Elizabeth, Jennifer and I started this journey to support MS charities, we set our fundraising goals at £250 each, hoping to make a meaningful contribution. Little did we know the incredible support we would receive from our community.” 

Along with the walk Council colleagues rallied and raised £185 from a homebake sale and £170 thanks to the raffling of a clootie dumpling donation from June Stout. Mark Mainland also donated lobsters for a competition on social media – the events all helped to spread the word and raise awareness. 

All three surpassed their walking goals – Graeme managed 60km, Elizabeth over 200km and Jennifer completed over 150k. 

Graeme said: “Each step we took was made lighter by the immense support and encouragement from all of you. To everyone who donated, shared our story, and supported us in various ways, please accept our deepest thanks. Your generosity has not only helped us exceed our targets but also raised vital awareness for MS.” 

The trio added: “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of this incredible journey with us. Together, we have made a real difference.” 

The Council’s Head of Neighbourhood Services, Lorna Richardson, said: “Given Graeme’s determined spirit in the face of the MS diagnosis, I am not surprised that he smashed both the walking and fundraising elements of the challenge. 

“Given his value to the team, we were delighted to be able to find him an alternative role based at our Hatston Depot following the diagnosis and we will continue to support him as we can. 

“Well done to Graeme, Elizabeth and Jennifer on a significant total that will undoubtedly make a difference in the ongoing work to find a cure and better treatments for the condition.” 

Although the walking challenge is complete – the fundraising page remains open until the end of June, so there’s still time to donate: https://www.themay50k.co.uk/fundraisers/GraemeMainland 

To read Graeme’s inspirational story head to: https://www.orkney.gov.uk/News?postid=9226