TWO sisters from Ryedale are set to canoe across Scotland in memory of their friend.
Gena Douglas, 62, and Linda Pepper, 58, will travel by canoe from Fort William to Inverness on September 2.
The sisters, who grew up in Wilton, will take on the 60-mile voyage over six days with five nights of wild camping in memory of their friend Wendy Howarth.
Wendy Howarth, also from Wilton, died on March 21, 2020, after a long battle with multiple sclerosis (MS).
The lifelong condition affects the central nervous system.
Gena described Wendy as a “real tear about, a real farmer.”
Wendy was married to her husband, Sam, who was with her throughout her illness.
She had three children, Sally, Jack, and Rosie, and was diagnosed with the condition after Jack’s birth.
Gena and Linda will honour their friend through the trip, which will raise money for Leuchie House National Respite Centre, near North Berwick, where Wendy received respite care.
Wendy would go for respite breaks at the centre, organised by the MS Society.
The respite centre provides care for neurological diseases including MS, motor neurone disease and Parkinson’s.
“Wendy had many happy times at Leuchie House, and we feel that the challenge of 60 miles and wild camping will be a brilliant tribute to her attitude and positivity through some hard times,” said Gena.
“The determination and positivity that Wendy showed throughout her illness will carry us through this lifetime challenge.”
Gena spoke of how she would travel to North Berwick with Wendy, travelling to Dunbar by train from York, then making their way to Leuchie House with fond memories of drinking gin and tonics along the way.
She said: “The staff at Leuchie would be terrific. We were always greeted with big smiles.”
Gena explained how Wendy would be well looked after while at the respite centre.
Wendy would go on trips with the staff to Edinburgh – even going to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Ahead of the canoeing adventure, Gena and Linda have been training at Wykeham Lakes, near Scarborough.
Gena described herself as the ‘new kid on the block’ when it came to canoeing, owing the credit of the idea to Linda.
Despite this, of the training Gena said: “It’s going really good, I’m certainly a lot fitter and ready for (the trip).”
The sisters have set up a JustGiving Page ahead of the event, aiming to raise £500 for Leuchie House National Respite Centre.
More information about Gena and Linda’s epic canoe journey, and to donate can be found on their JustGiving Page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gena-and-linda-leuchie-house
Donations and sponsorships can also be sent to: Wray House Farm, Marishes YO17 6UJ.
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