Race is on to raise cash for novice skier

A NOVICE skier is to take part in the world's oldest, longest ski race to raise funds for a local charity.

Nigel McHollan, a fitness instructor from Gullane, East Lothian, has just a few weeks to learn to ski before taking part in the 90km race in Sweden.

He hopes to raise around 9,000 for Mindroom, an East Lothian-based charity dedicated to raising awareness of learning difficulties and providing support for families.

Mr McHollan, 30, will be flying to Vasaloppet to join around 15,000 other competitors in the cross-country race on 7 March. The international event has been running since 1922.

He said he was finding training fun but challenging, having only skied on real snow three times.

He said: "Trying to build endurance for a race which will be on a surface that I have so far only worked on three times since I began training is tough.

"It has been great to learn and find out more about a new skill. I can see myself adopting this as a yearly competition.

For more information visit www.mindroom.org.