A GROUP of kind-hearted pals from Cumnock are taking on the toughest trek of their lives next month in aid of a charity which supports bereaved parents and siblings of suicide victims.

On July 10, Julie Steel, Claire Baird, Karen MacMurdo, Jackie Murphy, Shannon Hill and Ashley Johnston will attempt to climb Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest mountain, to raise funds for Beautiful Inside & Out SCIO which was set up following the tragic suicide of 13-year-old Jenna Moriarty.

Julie, who works at Fosters Funeral Directors in the town, said she was moved to take on the challenge after hearing from many clients and families who have received help from the charity, and was heartened when her group of friends pledged to join her on the climb.

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She said: “Many families in the area have benefited from the help of this fantastic charity. It supports bereaved parents of suicide victims and siblings of suicide victims through counselling and play therapy.

“It’s a charity that a lot of families use around here.

“They’ve helped families in the area who have come through ourselves at the funeral directors and it’s great work they do. One of my family members used them, too. They put so much hard work into it but they obviously need money as well.

“I went part time in my job last year and I’ve started my own 1-1 Cambridge Weight Plan which is also based in Cumnock so that’s when I lost weight and got into fitness.

“Now I’ve roped another four of my friends into climbing Ben Nevis. We’re all linking together for a good cause.”

The women, some of whom are also from Catrine and Lugar, are now in the throes of training for the big event and have already smashed their initial target of £500.

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Julie continued: “We’ve done a wee bit of hillwalking but nothing of this level. We’ve been going out walks beforehand and I done a Munro, Ben Vorlich, a couple of weeks ago but it was absolute torture. There are no flat bits at all, it’s all straight up, whereas Ben Nevis is more zig zag and is more gradual.

“It’s obviously another 900 metres higher than Ben Vorlich.

“We’ve all done Goatfell and the Cairn Table but nothing like this.

“We’ve got a minibus booked and the charity are going to send us some flyers and t-shirts so it’s sure to be a great day.”

If you would like to donate, click here.

Julie Steel is also welcoming new clients to her business. The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan is based in Miss K’s, 103 Glaisnock Street, Cumnock.