On 26 and 27 July 2026, Andy O’Connor from EquallyPlaced, will take on the Affric Kintail Way, walking alongside three others to raise vital funds for The Oxygen Works.
The Oxygen Works are a small, completely self-funded, local charity who exists solely to support the Highland community through the provision of numerous therapies. They heavily subsidise all their services for their clients who live with complex and neurological conditions.
Run with a core team of just five, they see over 500 members using their services with over 6,500 appointments completed within the centre last year.
Andy will complete his fundraising walk carrying an additional 20kg throughout the route. The added weight symbolises the heavy oxygen cylinders handled regularly by centre staff, which can weigh up to 78kg and are essential for operating the charity’s hyperbaric chamber.
Andy’s involvement with The Oxygen Works began last year after attending an Inverness Chamber of Commerce networking event, where Jenni Donnelly spoke about the charity’s work, the pressures it faces, and the growing demand for its services. Following this, Andy connected with Leigh-Ann Little, CEO of The Oxygen Works, and after learning more about the challenges facing the grass roots organisation, decided to support the cause through a significant personal fundraising challenge.
The cause is particularly close to Andy’s heart after he met an old football teammate who is currently receiving therapies at the centre on Burnett Road following a stroke.
The fundraising team is aiming to raise £10,000, with a strong focus on engaging the local business community to help achieve this target.
Small businesses are the backbone of local communities, and even modest gestures of support can have a significant impact on charities such as The Oxygen Works, helping them continue delivering life-changing services across the Highlands.
How businesses and individuals can support the challenge:
- Make a donation – every contribution makes a difference
- Share the fundraiser within professional and personal networks
- Sponsor part of the challenge or get your business involved
- Join the team at the finish on 27 July to show support
Fundraiser link: www.justgiving.com/page/andy-oconnor-1