A DIP in freezing cold water, an adrenaline-pumping abseil and conquering the world’s fastest zipline have helped a determined fundraiser smash through the £50,000 mark.
Catherine Alexander has taken on a variety of challenges in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support since her dad Jim passed away from lung cancer 12 years ago.
And while she has completed a number of challenges to get the pulse racing, at the heart of her fundraising efforts has been an annual coffee morning.
Catherine, who owns Short Cuts in Haddington, was delighted to reach the fundraising milestone and said: “I was not expecting it.
“You do it all the time and never think you are going to achieve it.
“It makes you know that you are making a difference.”
READ MORE: Haddington fundraiser set to fly high after collecting £40,000
This year’s coffee morning, which took place at the end of last month, was held at neighbouring 44 Market Street.
Joined by Haddington Pipe Band, it raised an impressive £3,500 to see the fundraising total pass through the £50,000 marker.
Along the way, Catherine has taken to the chilly waters of the River Forth, abseiled off the Forth Bridge and taken on the world’s fastest zipwire, walked her dog over 100 miles and shaved her head.
Catherine, who lives on Haddington’s Chalybeate, said: “I really enjoyed the abseil off the Forth Bridge and to get the view of all the bridges.
“That was really good but then I enjoyed the pipe band turning up and we always have a good day.
“I could not do it if I did not have all my fabulous clients that bake, come and help and donate.
“It is not me – it is everybody that makes the day.”
However, Catherine’s next challenge promises not to be quite as relaxing as a cuppa.
Last year, she announced her intention to complete a sky walk for the good cause.
But poor weather conditions have seen the experience called off five times.
Despite that, Catherine, who decided to take on the challenge to mark her 50th birthday, is insistent that it will eventually happen.
She said: “I have always said – I might be 90 but I will get it done; I’m determined.”
The impressive fundraising efforts were toasted by the charity, which offers free, confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones.
Bruce Port, relationship fundraising manager for Scotland, said: “What an outstanding amount that Catherine Alexander, owner of Short Cuts, has now raised with her annual coffee morning in Haddington, alongside all of her other amazing fundraising activities!
“Cancer affects us all and the reality is one in two of us will be diagnosed with it at some point in our lives.
“The people of East Lothian, and all around Scotland, need our support.
“Cancer isn’t going anywhere.
“We can’t thank Catherine and the team at Short Cuts enough for all their support – an amazing £50,000 raised to date.
“This money allows us to continue doing whatever it takes to support people living with cancer in Scotland and I’d like to say a huge thank you from everyone at Macmillan.
“I can’t wait to hear about what Catherine gets up to next – rumour is, it’s a wing walk!”
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