A brave bunch of gym bunnies raised more than £500 for a Perth mental health charity by tackling Britain’s highest mountain three times in less than 24 hours.
Staff and members of Fit4Less in the city centre reached the 4,411-foot summit of Ben Nevis three times over at the weekend, taking on the first ascent in the middle of the night.
The group had planned to go up and down four times in aid of Andy’s Man Club but a four-hour road closure meant the missed the first spot.
When they eventually reached Fort William on Friday night, manager Tammy Fleuchar, employee Megan Ely and gym members Michelle Fotheringham and Jordan Lamb wasted no time and headed straight for the hill at 10pm on Friday night.
The group made it back down just after 1am on Saturday and had a quick rest before taking on the gruelling walk twice more, at 5am and 11am.
Tammy said: “It was brilliant but my calves are killing me.
“We ended up with only four of us because of injuries and work schedules but we managed to raise just over £500 so we’re delighted.
“When we first went up it was pitch black which was a new experience for us all but it was amazing to see, the whole hill was deserted.”
Fit4Less joined other groups from across Scotland, who were all taking part in the challenge for mental health charities.
The Perth branch of Andy’s Man Club meets every Monday at McDiarmid Park and gives men of all ages a safe place and support to talk openly.
And the hardy bunch from Fit4Less are already planning their next fundraiser. This time they are considering the 100-mile West Highland Way, between Glasgow and Fort William and will ask their members to suggest charities to raise money for.
“We’ll be inviting members to come with us and this gives us a chance to raise money for things close to their hearts too,” said Tammy.
Donations can still be made at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/michelle-fotheringham-1?utm_term=AE6ZnPZD7.
