Speyside carer hitchhikes for charity

An Aberlour student is preparing for the challenge of a lifetime as she sets off on a charity hitchhike to Budapest to raise funds for causes close to her heart.

Isabella Marshall, a University of St Andrews biochemistry student who works as a carer at Speyside care home during university holidays, will take on the journey next month with university friends to support Alzheimer’s Research UK.

The challenge is part of Race2, an annual hitchhiking event organised by St Andrews students. 

The trio will set off from Scotland on 1st March, relying on the kindness of strangers and their own resourcefulness to reach their destination. The group have so far raised £840 for good causes.

As well as supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK, Race2 is also raising funds for Solidaritee, which provides aid to people affected by the refugee crisis and Richmond’s Hope, which offers caring support and guidance to children and families coping with loss.

Isabella said: “Working in a care home really opened my eyes to the impact of diseases like Alzheimer’s. It made me want to raise awareness and contribute towards finding effective treatments. That experience played a huge role in my decision to study biochemistry and to take on this challenge.”

Louise Gillies, manager of Speyside care home, said: “We are all incredibly proud of Isabella and the commitment she has shown to these important causes. Her compassion and drive have always been evident in her work at Speyside, and we have no doubt she will bring the same enthusiasm to this challenge. We wish her and the team every success on their journey.”

To support their fundraising effort, visit donate.race2.org.uk/t/bunda-pests