19 Co-op stores across the Highlands will step up for Sam: Twelve week fundraising programme to culminate in north coast 500 challange

20 June 2018

Colleagues from 19 Co-op stores right across the Highlands are set to take to two wheels to raise essential funds for a three year old boy from Inverness, as they get ready to embark on the iconic endurance race North Coast 500.

Sam Douglas, who lives with mum Steph, dad Kris and sister Molly, has an undiagnosed neurological condition which causes epilepsy and developmental delay. He requires long and intensive courses of CME therapy which may ultimately help his quest to become more physically independent.

The stores – which stretch from Caithness right down to Inverness – are each tasked with hosting their own fundraising events over the next three months which will culminate in them all taking to the saddle as part of the 559 mile cycle ride.

Lorraine Davidson, store manager at Invergordon’s Co-op, said: “I came across Sam’s story at a charity event I attended and felt sure that my colleagues across the region would want to get involved. Inspired to do something I spoke to our area manager Danny, who suggested that we do something big – and the idea to embark on the North Coast 500 was born! We’re delighted to be helping out and are confident that our loyal and generous customers will get behind us over the next twelve weeks as we start training and collecting money for Sam.“

Co-op area manager, Daniel Simpson, said: “We’ve all been extremely touched by Sam’s story and there was an immediate consensus that by getting together, stores could raise more money to help Sam’s family fund more life enhancing treatment. The North Coast 500 is not for the faint-hearted and this is one of the biggest fundraising challenges we’ve ever taken on across Northern Scotland but we think it’s befitting of this very special little boy.”

The North Coast 500 starts on Sunday 9th September and will finish on Saturday 15th September.

The full list of stores taking part in the Step Up For Sam campaign are:

• Telford St – Inverness
• Church Street - Inverness
• Cradlehall – Inverness
• Tomatin Road – Inverness
• Keppock Road – Culloden
• Station Road – Beauly
• School Road – Conon Bridge
• Great North Road – Muir of Ord
• Old Evanton Road – Dingwall
• Balconie Street – Evanton
• High Street – Fortrose
• High Street – Alness
• High Street – Invergordon
• High Street – Tain
• Cathedral Square – Dornoch
• Main Street – Golspie
• Fountain Square – Brora
• Angle Park – Wick
• Meadow Lane – Thurso

Ends

Aimi McNeill Press and Media Manager (Food) Communications
Mobile: 07739 657585
Telephone: 0161 6924286
Email: Aimi.mcneill@coop.co.uk