A Fife father and son whose lives have been touched by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are preparing to climb the UK’s 10 tallest peaks in 100 hours to support veterans.
Lee Powles, 47, and his 17-year-old son Ryan, from Cupar, are taking on the challenge this week to raise awareness of PTSD and collect cash for The Mountain Way charity, which creates bespoke support programmes for veterans.
Lee, who is currently serving in the RAF, has lost four friends to suicide, while he believes his late father was struggling with PTSD following a career in the Royal Marines which saw him serve in Borneo and other traumatic war zones.
“My dad saw too much in his younger years in Borneo,” Lee said.
“I didn’t realise how much until I had his medals remounted for his funeral.
“I think Dad did struggle, it’s only when looking back that I realise the signs were there.
“His friends have placed a plaque at the Commando memorial for him, which we visit each year and hope to during this challenge.”
Lee and son Ryan have set themselves the challenge of climbing the 10 highest peaks in the UK within 100 hours, cycling over 150 miles between mountain ranges.
They are due to start their challenge on Monday – weather permitting – and hope to raise at least £3,000.
Lee added: “In the past three years I have lost four friends to suicide – three serving and one civilian.
“We want to ensure that when veterans do ask for help, the most effective support possible is available to them.
“My father never asked and so never received help with the demons he carried.”
Training during Covid-19 has been difficult for Lee and Ryan, but they have kept up their fitness through running, cycling and strength sessions in their garage, managing a few days in the hills since restrictions eased.
The UK’s 10 highest summits are all in Scotland, with Ben Lawers in Perthshire first on the list.
They will then cycle 125km north and spend the night in the Cairngorms before day two, which will see Lee and Ryan climb five of the 10 peaks (Cairn Gorm, Ben Macdui, Braeriach, Cairn Toul and Sgòr An Lochain Uaine (aka Angel’s Peak).
The following morning, they will cycle 105km to reach the base of the Nevis range near Fort William, where they will camp for the night.
The final day will be the hardest, summiting Aonach Mor and Aovach Beag before a steep scramble to reach the penultimate summit, Carn Mòr Dearg.
They will then reach the summit of the UK’s highest peak, Ben Nevis, to complete the challenge.
Ryan has titled the challenge ZENITH, as it refers to ‘your most powerful and successful form’, which he hopes every veteran supported by The Mountain Way will return to.
Donations can be made at https://www.gofundme.com/f/nh6rp-zenith.
