Angus pals who faced the challenge of climbing three of Britain’s highest mountains in just 24 hours say they felt the inspiration of their pal Bailey Menmuir every step of the way.
And they have already raised more than £6,000 in tribute to Arbroath’s Bailey.
The 21-year-old’s death at the beginning of 2020 shattered the town and remains raw for his wide circle of friends.
But the group felt Bailey willing them on as they tackled the slopes of Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis.
They say they are overwhelmed by support for the fundraiser in aid of Arbroath mental health charity Reach Across.
Close to Bailey’s birthday
Andrew Fair led the organisation of the challenge and it took place just days after what would have been Bailey’s birthday.
Civil engineering graduate Andrew said the walkers faced horrible weather on their first climb.
The set off from the foot of Snowdon just after 10am on Saturday.
“It was rain most of the way, with heavy hail and wind at the top,” he said.
“For the other two we actually got really lucky with the weather.”
Andrew, 23, added: “There were 14 of us who took on the challenge.
“Quite a few of us have taken on doing Munros as a bit of a hobby so that’s where the idea came from.
“Not everyone completed all three mountains but it was about showing their support for Bailey and trying to raise money for Reach Across.
“We all still really feel his loss.
“It would definitely have been a lot harder for us all without Bailey’s motivation being there.”
Challenge completed with minutes left
But the successful climbers hit the summit of Ben Nevis on Sunday morning with less than half an hour of the 24-hour deadline left.
For Ethan Bell, it was a second feat of physical endurance in memory of the friend he described as being “like a wee brother”.
Last year, the 25-year-old raised more than £6,500 for the Mental Health Foundation by completing a solo marathon on the roads around his home town.
He and younger sister Kali, 22, were among the walkers.
“I think we’re all a bit bruised and battered and the first one was horrible because the weather was so bad,” said Ethan.
“But we were encouraging each other and Bailey was with us 100%.
“When it was getting tough we just kept thinking it was for him.”
The group plan to keep their GoFundMe page open for another couple of weeks to help boost the fundraising total.
Reach Across support
The Reach Across charity was set up by Arbroath mum Sandra Ramsay after the death of her son, Ross, in 2013.
Ross was starting out on a music industry career in Glasgow but was found dead after going missing from his home.
Ethan added: “We thought we’d raise a few hundred pounds but it is amazing how the total just keeps going up.
“The generosity of people in and around Arbroath never ceases to amaze me.
“It’s great to be able to get a good bit of money for a cause which is doing such good work in the town.”
More pictures from the Three Peaks Challenge for Reach Across.
