Renfrewshire’s walkers needed to climb Britain’s highest mountain

Charity hopes to raise £50,000

A leading cancer charity is calling on people in Renfrewshire to sign up to climb the UK’s highest mountain.

Macmillan Cancer Support is looking for 100 people to sign up to take part in a 4400ft climb up Ben Nevis in the Highlands to raise cash to fund vital cancer services.

This is the charity’s first ever Ben Nevis challenge and Macmillan hopes to raise a fantastic £50,000 from the May fundraising event.

Fundraising manager for Renfrewshire Susan Selkirk said: “The number of people being diagnosed with cancer is increasing every year.

“This means Macmillan needs to continually raise more money to be able to offer medical, emotional and financial help to those who need it.

“We are looking for 100 people who want to help us fund our vital cancer services while taking on a challenging climb and experiencing some of the world’s most beautiful scenery.”

The Ben Nevis challenge will kick off on Friday, May 14, with a dinner in a Fort William hotel. Climbers will conquer Ben Nevis on Saturday, followed by a celebratory dinner on Saturday night and return home on Sunday, May 16.

Everyone taking on the challenge is asked to pay a registration fee of £99 to and raise £500 in sponsorship. The registration fee covers the cost of the hotel, meals and the guides who will lead the group.

Susan added: “It will be a really fun weekend. We expect a wide variety of people to take part. We’ve already had some interest from keen hill-walkers, small groups of friends and even businesses thinking of sending staff along as a team building exercise.

“May should be a lovely time to climb Ben Nevis and really enjoy the spectacular scenery. We hope this challenge will prove very popular and we have lots of advice and tips for people on how to raise money before taking part.”

The Ben Nevis climb is one of a host of walks Macmillan has organised as part of its Walk With Us programme. The charity is also urging people who can’t take part in an official Macmillan walk to organise their own fundraising walk wherever and whenever they like.

To find out more visit www.macmillan.org.uk/walks or call 0131 260 3720.