Charity Mountain Climb
Three intrepid mountain walkers are gearing up for a gruelling challenge which they hope will raise a mountain of money.
Dr Arthur Stewart, Sports Studies Degree Co-ordinator with the University of Aberdeen, Sports Studies student Andrew West and one of their friends, Dr Glenn Corr, are involved in the fund-raising feat which is taking place this Friday.
The trio will attempt to climb all four 4000 foot Cairngorm peaks in one day - Cairngorm, Ben MacDui, Braeriach and Cairn Toul. It is a 28-mile hike with an ascent of 8,200 feet and should take between nine and ten hours, depending on the weather.
Twenty-year-old Andrew said: "We've worked out that it's probably the equivalent of going up and down Bennachie eight times in one day, so it's fair to say it'll be a bit of a challenge!"
Dr Stewart added: "We're hoping the weather is in our favour - ideally we would like it cold and clear. If it's too hot it could slow things up on the ascents as these are four of the highest peaks in Britain which we'll be tackling."
The three are currently rounding up sponsors for the event which will raise money for the British Heart Foundation and for the building of a new community church in Westhill for the Westhill Episcopal Church.
One of their sponsors is Professor Stephen Logan who heads the University's College of Life Sciences and Medicine. He said: "I'm delighted to support Arthur and the team in their endeavours to raise money for such worthy causes. I wish them the best of luck with their challenge."
Andy's father died following a heart attack last year. This will be the second fund raiser the student has attempted for the British Heart Foundation.
He said: "Last year I raised £6,500 for the charity after completing the TGO Challenge, which was a walk across Scotland.
"But this time round I've not been able to do the same level of training before the event as I've recently had surgery for an ingrown toe-nail. However I'm sure I'll be fine on the day."
Dr Stewart added: "Although we feel we are up to the challenge, we are traversing the highest upland region in Britain and we can't afford to be complacent. The thought of all the money we hope to raise and what it will achieve should keep spurring us on!"