A Perthshire woman will undertake the challenge of a lifetime when she saddles up for a safari across South Africa.
Blairgowrie nurse Marion MacRitchie sets off in June for a seven-day ‘Ride South Africa Challenge’ trek on horseback through the Waterberg region to raise funds to save sick horses and make Scotland a world leader in equine science. She will ride through gorges and game reserves and camp out under the African skies.
Marion will be one of a group of Scots riders who will cover a minimum of 125 miles to help the British Horse Society raise funds for a pioneering piece of equipment for The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh.
The university needs a horse scanning table if it is to remain at the forefront of equine studies. The school’s budget will not stretch to buying all the latest equipment, much of which is developed for human medicine and must be adapted for animals.
School dean Elaine Watson said, “We are one of only two sites in the world capable of undertaking sedated equine computed tomography an imaging development that minimises the risks for horses and speeds up diagnoses and recovery times.
“But we need to install a bespoke scanning table that effortlessly ‘floats’ the patient through the imager no mean feat with a 750kg Clydesdale.”
One of Marion’s first jobs was working as a groom for the Fife Hunt. She became a point-to-point jockey before taking to Arab horse racing, on her own Arabian, and raced over courses including Aintree.
Marion said, “I have never been to South Africa so when I heard about this challenge I thought it would be a fantastic opportunity to see at least part of the country and raise funds at the same time for a cause that is dear to my heart.
“I’m also passionate about Scotland and this is doing something to help horses and help an institute in Scotland and make sure it remains a world leader.”
Marion hopes to raise £4000. She has run a quiz night at Blairgowrie Bowling Club and has just completed a second week running the charity shop in Coupar Angus.
She said, “I am so grateful and want to thank all those local businesses which have contributed so generously with raffle and tombola prizes.”
Her next fund-raiser is a coffee morning and table sale in Coupar Angus Town Hall on Saturday, April 9, from 9.30am to 12.30pm.