1 Million Miles for Ellie Assault Challenge

Forget storms Gertrude and Henry, there's another challenge on the horizon!

1 Million Miles for Ellie – a campaign set up in memory of Eleanor (Ellie) MacDonald who died in September 2014 at the age of just 23 after a nine month battle with bowel cancer – is asking you to do battle with the 1 Million Miles for Ellie Assault Course later this month (Saturday 20th February).

With the help of the army’s 16 Regiment Royal Artillery, a challenging but fun assault course has been put together on the croft where Ellie grew up in Kyles, Paible, North Uist.

The 16 Regt RA and Ellie’s family are challenging any would-be-warriors to test their grit, determination and will power over an assault course modelled on obstacles that commonly occur in combat scenarios.

The event is being held on the 20th February; registration is between 10.30 and 11.30 with participants taking on the challenge from 11.45. There will be the opportunity for individuals, teams and children (over a limited part of the course) to take part.

Entry is payable on the day by donation but the organisers ask that participants confirm that they will be attending by email [email protected] or on the 1 Million Miles for Ellie Facebook page.

All funds raised at the event for the 1 Million Miles for Ellie campaign will be split between Cancer Research UK, Maggie’s and MacMillan Cancer Support.

“We want everyone who would like to have a go to have the chance to do so. This is a unique opportunity to do something different out on the islands and we feel privileged that the army agreed to help us set this up using their expertise, knowledge as well as some manpower.

“The assault challenge is not exclusively for islanders, we’re hoping that others from further afield will feel inspired to join us, give it a go and enjoy some renowned island hospitality at the same time.” said Ellie’s Mum, Michelle.

Students from St Andrews University, where Ellie graduated with a degree in Business Management a few months before she died, are hoping to make the journey up to Uist and the event also fits in with ferry times if competitors wish to travel down from Lewis and Harris for the day to take part.

There will be prizes for the best individuals, teams and fancy dress wearers as well as soup, hot drinks and the family’s Highland beef from the croft on the BBQ manned by John Docherty from the Lochmaddy Hotel.

Michelle continued: “So if you’re still suffering from the winter blues, come along, do something different and have some fun in aid of a great cause to raise funds for Cancer Research UK, Maggies and MacMillan Cancer Support, the three charities that 1 Million Miles for Ellie is supporting, with the aim of eventually raising £1million for those touched by cancer.

“We’ll also be adding everyone’s miles to go towards the one million miles target we have set. Ellie would have loved this, the time has come to test yourself and your friends!”

For more information visit the 1 Million Miles for Ellie webpage: click here

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