HILLWALKERS who have taken on one of Scotland's toughest endurance challenges have told of their pride at being able to put their bodies on the line to raise money for charity.
Hundreds of hikers embraced some of Scotland's most stunning scenery and rugged terrain during this weekend's Caledonian Challenge, raising thousands for a wide range of charities.
To celebrate this year's 20th anniversary of the event, the organisers charities to purchase places and enter their own teams to fundraise exclusively for their own cause.
Among those who took part was Andrew Hopetoun, the Earl of Hopetoun, who with fellow team members raised funds for the charity Allegra’s Ambition, founded in 2015 to help young people through participation in sport and outdoor activities.
He said: “Out team, Skye High, was thrilled to take on the Caledonian Challenge and for me in many ways it was unfinished business.
"I was part of a team that sadly had to pull out of the 2009 event due to illness, so I am very pleased to be able to have completed the Challenge this year.
"We are all hoping to raise the profile of Allegra’s Ambition and to help support this wonderful charity financially."
He added: "We have been lucky enough to receive some incredibly generous donations taking our total to over £10K, which helped us to push through the midges and our Scots summer weather.
"This new initiative to open the Challenge up to other charities is a terrific one and I hope it has been a huge success for charities like ours.”
Among the teams to put boots on the ground were Team Erskine, raising money for the veteran's hospital, Move On (ICS Learn), Team Scotty (Combat Stress), Hopscotch (Hill Hoppers and Pilgrims), Jenny and Yolanda Go for a walk (Age Scotland) and Team Ted (Teddington Trust) as well as many more.
Team Erskine's Jim Robertson read about the opportunity for charities to sign up for Bond places in The Herald, and formed a team of walkers and approached the hospital to ask to represent it.
Jim said “Having taken part in the Caledonian Challenge three times in the past raising funds for Foundation Scotland, I thought it was an excellent idea to introduce the Bond scheme.
"This has allowed other charities to benefit from the walk and allowed people like me to approach charities to participate on their behalf.
"There were many reasons for walking for Erskine; they provide valuable support to ex-servicemen and women in Scotland from conflicts past and present, I used to be in the Royal Navy, I’m originally from the Erskine area and family members worked at the hospital so I am familiar with the work they do.”
Giles Ruck CEO Foundation Scotland said: “We thought there would be no better way to celebrate the 20thyear of the Caledonian Challenge, but to extend its legacy.
"By giving charitable organisations the opportunity to enter teams and raise money for their causes not only has it helped the Foundation extend our charitable outreach but it has encouraged more people to participate in the event and celebrate this amazing milestone.”
More than 700 walkers were at this year’s start line attempting the 54 mile route in 24 hours or the 24 mile route in 12 hours through breathtaking landscapes including Ben Nevis, Glencoe and the Devil’s Staircase.
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