Charles Young of Fivepenny, Ness, will be competing in the Great Scottish Run Half Marathon in Glasgow on October 2 to raise much-needed funds for Barvas Foodbank which covers Ness and the Westside from Port of Ness to Dalbeg.

Charles said: “We are very fortunate in our community that we have the Barvas Foodbank which is there to support those who, through no fault of their own, are facing financial hardship.

"The financial pressure on many families and individuals increased during the Covid pandemic, but now has been made more severe by the cost of living crisis.

"The urgent need for Barvas Foodbank has been seen in the steady increase in demand for their support in the form of food parcels.

"The support in the form of food donations given by the Ness and Westside communities has been highly commendable, but it is now vital more than ever before that this support doesn’t diminish over time.”

Charles added: “It was an easy decision for me to fundraise for Barvas Foodbank, not only because of the dire need for their food support to families and individuals, but also because I was impressed by the dedication and professionalism of their small band of volunteers who freely give of their time to support those who need support at this difficult time.”

One of the volunteers who helps with Barvas Foodbank said: “We currently have around 15 local volunteers who work on a rota basis, confidentially handling calls for support and delivering food parcels throughout Ness and the Westside.

"We started Barvas Foodbank during the first Covid lockdown in 2020 and have seen a steady increase in demand for our support.

"We are so thankful for the donations and support we have received from our communities over the past couple of years, but the need is great and we need to keep going.”

Food donations to Barvas Foodbank can be made at the following locations: Cross Stores, Swainbost shop, Shawbost Old School and Welcome In Filling Station.  

Food or monetary donations can also be made at the blue Foodbank container in Barvas, next to the Barvas and Brue Community Centre on Tuesdays from 2.30pm to 3.30pm.

The JustGiving link to sponsor Charles in the Great Scottish Run is:

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/charlesyoung?utm_term=WE6pY9yqV

The photo shows Charles with his faithful German Shepherd, Cuilean, who accompanies him on some of his runs.