An Angus man who was previously given just four weeks to live is setting his sights on more charity challenges.
David Ogilvie has scaled eight Munros since battling back to health and walked the West Highland Way to mark four years to the day since he had life-saving surgery.
Mr Ogilvie, who works at AM Phillips Trucktech in Forfar, walked 96 miles over six days in June, camping each night to raise money for the Crohn’s and Colitis UK charity.
The 34-year-old said he had no plans to hang up his walking boots just yet.
He said: “I am looking for another challenge for next year to mark five years since my surgery, possibly a coast to coast walk, west to east.
“I am very up for another challenge and I did surprise myself on the West Highland Way, I had a real determination to finish the walk.”
He said giving up was never an option.
“Walking 96 miles in six days is a real task. It’s a huge distance to travel on your own carrying everything you need.
“I surprised myself with my fitness. When I was training my calf muscles hurt after most outings, but on the walk this was never an issue. The only real issue I have is swollen and blistered feet.”
Mr Ogilvie was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease aged just 18.
Before surgery he was struggling with pains and going to the toilet 15 times a day, often losing blood.
In 2014, he was given lifesaving surgery, having been told he would have just four weeks to live without it. He was off work for four months while he recovered.
Last year he decided to mark three years since the surgery by successfully climbing two Munros in one day — Mayar and Driesh in Glen Doll.
He has since managed to bag Schiehallion, Ben Vorlich, Mount Keen, Creag Leacach, Carn Liath and Ben Chonzie.
“I still have money being donated but the money raised so far is around £1,500,” he said.
“I prepared myself the best I could before the trip and I camped in some amazing places and saw so much that this country has to offer.
“My hardest time was walking the east side of Loch Lomond, from climbing over and under fallen trees, up and down steep inclines with difficult terrain made progress slow.
“I’m amazed at people’s generosity for my challenge, the response on social media gave me such a boost to know that what I was doing is going to make a difference.
“Now back at home I have cuts and scrapes midgee bites, blisters and swollen feet, but it’s all been worth it to give back to a charity that is massively close to my heart.”
