Scientists take on Cateran trail for charity

31 May 2018

Irene, Suze, Desi and Laren sit inside a tent they will use while walking the Cateran trail — Irene Hallyburton, Suze Farrell, Desi Zeller and Lauren Webster. The WCAIR team taking on the Cateran trail to raise money for charity.

Scientists from the University of Dundee will swap lab coats for hiking boots this weekend as they take on one of Scotland’s greatest wildlife trails for charity.

A team of four scientists from the University’s School of Life Sciences, hope to finish the 52 mile Cateran Trail within just five days as they aim to raise funds for Cats Protection and Re-Act Scotland.

The team which includes Susan Farrell, Lauren Webster and Desiree Zeller, will be led by Irene Hallyburton, an experienced hill-walker and Malaria biologist based at the University’s Drug Discovery Unit. She said, “Last year we raised more than £1,300 for our chosen charities and we hope to smash that target this year. The Cateran Trail is roughly 104km of tough terrain, up mountains and through the glens. It will be the longest walk any of our team has ever done as well as a completely new logistical and physical challenge.”

Susan Farrell, Training Manager at Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research based at the University, said “We have two great charities to help support this year. Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and Re-Act is a non-profit organisation who provide vital support to the displaced refugees across Europe. “We couldn’t be more excited to get out there, come rain, shine and midges, so do donate generously.”