UHI staff raise more than £3,600 for Highland Hospice

Staff at the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) have raised £3,635 for Highland Hospice through a year of fundraising activities.

The funds will support the charity’s specialist care and support for people living with terminal illnesses, individuals approaching the end of life, and individuals and families experiencing bereavement.

Highland Hospice was selected as UHI’s Charity of the Year following staff nominations and a vote organised by UHI’s Social Committee.

Colleagues came together throughout the year for coffee mornings, bake sales, a gelato stall, bowling, a curry night, a sweepstake and a Christmas raffle.

The total was also boosted by several individual fundraising efforts. Donald J MacIntyre raised more than £900 by completing the 2025 Baxters River Ness 10K with his daughter, Kirsty; Fiona Leiper raised £750 through a summer swim and the Grantown Triathlon; and Janis Mackay raised a further £600 by organising a walk up Fyrish in memory of former UHI colleague Phil Masterson, who was cared for by the hospice.

A spokesperson for UHI’s Social Committee said:

“We would like to thank everyone who took part in our fundraising activities, donated money or prizes, or supported the events in other ways. It was fantastic to see colleagues come together to support Highland Hospice and the important care it provides to people and families in our communities.”

The committee also thanked local businesses that supported the fundraising, including Miele’s Gelateria, Inverness Crazy Golf and The Kingsmills Hotel.

Karen Duff, Corporate Fundraiser for Highland Hospice said:

“We are so grateful to everyone at UHI for raising such an incredible amount for the Hospice. We’ve loved hearing about the many and varied ways this total was achieved, and are delighted to have seen such a high level of interaction and support during the past year. Thank you so much to everyone who contributed.”

UHI’s Charity of the Year for 2026–27 is Sophie’s Story, which was established in memory of three-year-old Sophie Mason from Inverness. Sophie was diagnosed with Batten disease in November 2024, a rare life-limiting neurological condition, and sadly passed away in June 2026. Her parents, Keith and Lizzie, hope to continue fundraising efforts and create a lasting legacy honouring her memory - a new children’s hospice called Sophie's House.