The founder of an Ayrshire-based online support service has climbed three of Scotland’s toughest mountains in just three days, helping to raise an incredible £1,000 and counting.
Robbie Muir, of Auchinleck, and pals Scott McIntyre and Adam Gibson completed the Three Peaks Challenge for Release Ayrshire, an online platform set up to provide confidential support and advice to men who are in crisis or simply need to talk.
From August 12-14, after roughly 12 and a half hours of active walking, over 76,000 steps, 4,277 calories burned and 40km walked, the men declared victory over Goatfell, Ben Lomond and Ben Nevis - meaning sore pins but happy faces all round.
Robbie said: “We got a motorhome donated from River View Motorhomes so we did Goatfell first which was actually the hardest. The incline means you’re climbing literally up rocks at the top of it. Doing that first knackered our legs for the next two walks.
“We went for lunch after Goatfell and a lot of people were asking us what we were doing it for as they seen our t-shirts. The ex-general manager of Whiteley’s Retreat ended up buying us our lunch - we sat down and they asked us if we were the organisation for Cumnock and Auchinleck so his wife said we’ll cover it.
“After that we drove straight up to Ben Lomond where they gave us free use of the electricity at the campsite. They checked our Facebook page to see what we were doing it for.”
He continued: “We didn’t get any views at the top but we put the Release stones, packs and cards for people to sign at the top of every one.
“Ben Nevis was long but we got great views on the way up and actually met two different groups of challengers. A gym in Galston was doing it so it was good to see them all supporting us. It gave us a real boost. We also met folk from Cumnock at the top of Ben Nevis who all had their t-shirts on.”
The trio are now sending well wishes to people in Cumnock and beyond who are aiming to complete the challenge before fundraising ends on August 28.
Robbie added: “Fundraising so far has been amazing. We set an initial target of £500 but now we have over a grand, and that’s for just the three of us. The challenge has really been noticed because of the amount of people doing it.
“A woman even said she got stopped by a guy asking all about, he said he’s really appreciative of the service. I was really humbled by that.
“We’ve only ever climbed Cairn Table in Muirkirk so doing this over three days has been a real personal accomplishment. Thanks to everyone who has donated. For our fellow challengers that are still going, a big high five.”
To donate, visit https://bit.ly/3B9yK86
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here