A MAYBOLE student is taking time out of his final year of a property course to undertake an Arctic Trek in aid of sick kids.

And Roddy Paterson is putting his money where his mouth is – by agreeing to pay for the entire trip to raise the maximum amount for chosen charity Dreams Come True.

The 22-year-old has also shelled out for Barcelona trip prizes for a major raffle this month – but he needs your help to hit his fundraising target for the group, who help fulfil the wishes of seriously ill kids.

Roddy said this week: “I wanted to make sure I was paying for all of my own costs for the trip, so that everyone who gives knows their donation is going to this worthy cause.

“Everyone’s support so far has been incredible.”

As well as the holiday prizes, he has also lined up other support for the fundraiser, including eight race day tickets from Ayr Racecourse.

He has also received backing from staff at Ayrshire Weekly Press, and from colleagues at Savills, where he is currently serving a third year placement as part of a Property Management degree at Caledonian University.

Roddy said this week: “I am close to my fundraising target for the end of June, I just need this one last push to get over the finishing line.
“Anything people can give would be amazing.”

The trip, which takes place in April next year, involves a three-day expedition to North Finland, involving trecking 100 kilometres and camping out in temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees celcius.

Roddy’s football coach for next season at Annbank Juniors, Tam Robertson of Ayr United kit suppliers Football First, has already agreed to sponsor the supply of the special kit he will need for the sub-zero temperatures.
So is he looking forward to the adventure?

He admitted: “My friends have been slagging me off, because they know I’m not exactly great at getting up in the mornings and this is going to be a sunrise to sunset type of deal.

“My girlfriend thinks the money raised should go to those who will be having to put up with me being so grumpy at that time of the morning.”
If you can help with this fundraising appeal, there is a special Just Giving page set up.

Go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Roddy-Paterson to donate.

To enter your details for the raffle email roddypaterson@live.co.uk.