Year of 10-10-10 challenges marks 10th anniversary of Highland Children’s Unit
From walking on fire to running marathons, an Inverness fundraiser is taking on 10 challenges in 12 months in the hope of raising £10,000 to support babies, children and families across the Highlands and Islands.
Neil McGregor, Business Development and Fundraising Manager in the Highlands for The Archie Foundation, is pushing himself out of his comfort zone to mark the 10th anniversary of the Highland Children’s Unit at Raigmore Hospital.
He is taking on challenges including a firewalk, the Inverness Half Marathon, the Aberdeen Kiltwalk and the Baxters River Ness 10k, with further events planned throughout the year.
Everything Neil raises in 2026 will be donated to The Archie Foundation.
Neil joined the charity in 2025, inspired by his own family’s experience. His son was born 12 weeks early in 2007 and spent three months in neonatal care, giving Neil first-hand insight into how vital support Archie’s support services are for families during incredibly difficult times.
He explained, “The Archie Foundation is a crucial resource for babies, children and families, providing practical and financial support when they need it most, following a bereavement or during a hospital visit or stay. In the past 10 years, thousands of children have passed through the doors of the Highland Children’s Unit and the impact it has is incredible. I’m excited to take on the challenge of raising £10,000 this year because I’ve seen just how much of a difference the support Archie provides makes, providing comfort and making life a little easier for families during some of the toughest times of their lives.”
The Highland Children’s Unit opened in 2016 and NHS staff have provided medical care to thousands of children from across the north of Scotland over the past decade.
The £10,000 raised through Neil’s 10 challenges will help The Archie Foundation continue to fund vital projects, specialist roles and family support services across the North.
Paula Cormack, Chief Executive at The Archie Foundation, said, “We are incredibly grateful to Neil for taking on this ambitious challenge in support of our work at the Highland Children’s Unit during a special anniversary year. His commitment is particularly meaningful given his own family’s experience, which reflects the journey so many families face. The funds he raises will make a real and lasting difference and his colleagues at Archie and in the NHS will be cheering him on every step of the way.”
For 25 years Archie has helped children and families across the north of Scotland, funding specialist roles and projects at Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital, Tayside Children’s Hospital in Dundee and Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin, as well as the Highland Children’s Unit.
Donations to support Neil’s £10,000 fundraising target can be made via his JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/page/neil-mcgregor-archie-challenge-2026.
Local businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities are also being encouraged to get in touch with Neil by email at neil.mcgregor@archie.org.
For more information about the practical, financial and emotional support available from The Archie Foundation, visit www.archie.org/getsupport/.