Lynne Savage and her friend Aileen Thomson have paired up to paddle the length of Loch Ness in a forthcoming new endurance challenge called Monster Paddle, to raise vital funds for Highland Hospice.

Lynne, who knows the chilly waters of Loch Ness well after her epic swim across the Loch in 2013.

Aileen was determined to get in a canoe with Lynne and jumped at the chance when she heard about Highland Hospice’s Monster Paddle. She says “Lynne and I first paddled together as teenagers.  I say together, but this is not true as she refused to share a canoe with me and insisted on being with the instructor! It's always been in the back of my head to make her share with me at some stage, however I didn't think it would take this long to happen and for it to be a potentially very tough challenge”.

Boots n Paddles are providing all the equipment and safety cover for Monster Paddle, and will also have two experienced guides on the water with the paddlers to offer coaching and assistance. Calum Rogerson, Sales & marketing Manager at Boots n Paddles says they are delighted to be involved with a local charity so close to home.

 For Lynne and Aileen, the challenge of raising funds for Highland Hospice is the easy part of Monster Paddle, but both are determined to make it count. Aileen says “The hospice is my inspiration. It's a necessity for the highlands. The fact I am blessed to be fit enough to do this and to get the opportunity to raise money doing something I love with someone who I love is my privilege”.