Trekker encourages others to do summit charitable for SKFF
A LOCAL woman who climbed Scotland’s largest Munro to raise funds for the Sick Kids Friends Foundation is now encouraging others to do the same. Finance team leader Gina Robertson, from Bathgate, decided to take on the challenge last October after being encouraged by work colleagues.
The 37-year-old, said:- “I had taken part in similar events before but wanted to help raise the much needed funds for the kids at Edinburgh’s Royal Hospital for Sick Children, so I decided to participate along with friends from work.
“It started off a sunny day, but when we reached the summit we had tackled rain and snow so I was really proud when I finally reached the top.
“The team is brilliant and offer great advice to encourage you along the way. So if, like me, you’re not a gym junkie the trek is still a fantastic experience and the rapport in the group was really good.”
She continued: “I am so glad I took on the challenge and would definitely encourage others to take part this year to raise money for such a fantastic charity.”
This year, the trekkers will climb the Munro between 4 and 6 October from nearby Fort William to hike to the summit, measured at 1,344 metres (4,408ft) above sea level.
Rachel McKenzie, community fundraising manager for SKFF, said: “The Ben Nevis trek is organised annually to raise vital funds to provide training and research, innovative medical equipment and comforts and facilities for young patients and their families cared for at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children and in the community.
“It’s a fantastic cause and a great achievement for the big-hearted fundraisers too. We are very excited to meet this year’s climbers and sign up others to share the experience”.
To take part, every participant must pay a £50 registration fee and raise a minimum sponsorship sum of £500 per person.
The amount paid includes coach transfers between Edinburgh and Fort William, two night’s dinner, bed and breakfast, a celebration party and a certificate of achievement, along with a guiding team, medical provisions, and training guide and fundraising pack.
The event marks the third annual Sick Kids Ben Nevis Trek. Since it was launched two years ago, more than £20,000 has been raised from the organised annual trek.
To register, log on to: http://www.edinburghsickkids.org/events/challenge-events.html
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