A GROUP of women have raised over £1,000 after climbing Scotland’s highest mountain at the weekend in aid of a charity which supports bereaved parents and siblings of suicide victims.
Julie Steel, Claire Baird, Karen MacMurdo, Jackie Murphy, Shannon Hill and Ashley Johnston took on Ben Nevis on Saturday, July 10, to raise funds for Beautiful Inside and Out SCIO which was set up following the tragic suicide of 13-year-old Jenna Moriarty.
Although the ladies admitted to being a bit apprehensive about taking on such a challenge, they managed to smash their target of £500 and raised an incredible £1,250 and counting which will go towards funding over 30 counselling sessions.
Julie told the Chronicle: “The day started off warm then we went through some snow and rain and then it got warm again so we really endured all weathers. The walk was a laugh from start to finish and the company was great.
“We got loads of recognition for the charity because we had colourful t-shirts on so everyone was asking what the charity was about. It was great to get recognition for the charity as they’ve been affected quite badly by COVID.
“It took us five and a half hours from top to bottom which we were really happy about it and at the top we got great views. We thoroughly enjoyed it and it was all worth it.”
She added: “We’ve raised over £1,200 and Pauline, Jenna’s mum, said that is going to fund over 30 counselling sessions. Our Justgiving page is open for another week if anyone wants to donate.
“We even left an inspirational heart at the top of Ben Nevis which has a wee quote on it.
“We’d definitely do something like this again. We’re very proud of ourselves.”
On Facebook, the charity said: “A huge well done and massive thank you to Julie and her team who climbed Ben Nevis to raise funds and awareness for Beautiful Inside and Out SCIO.
“We are currently looking for teams or individuals like Julie to come up with fundraising ideas/events to help us replenish our funding pot which has been severely impacted by COVID restrictions.”
If you can help, email Loribeautifulinsideandoutscio.com or to donate, visit click here.
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