A generous trio from local bus company, First Borders, are limbering up to take on a grueling 24-hour charity trek on some of the toughest peaks in the UK.
Derek Gray, Gary Muir and Paul Croker from First Borders’ Galashiels Depot are attempting the Three Peaks Challenge for Macmillan Cancer Support on Saturday June 14.
The group has 24 hours to complete the walk, scaling the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon respectively.
One of the main motivations to take on the challenge follows the death of Gary Muir’s mother, Mary in 2013 after a three year battle with lung cancer. Gary 47, who is a Depot Traffic Assistant at the Galashiels Depot and lives in Galashiels with his family, has already lost more than a stone during his preparations.
Gary said: “We chose this challenge because it will be a proper test, both physically and mentally. The fact that we’ve got such a short time to do it has given us real motivation to train and make sure that we get through it for all those who have kindly donated so far.”
He continued: “Unfortunately, given the death of my mother from lung cancer I am very much aware of the pain and suffering cancer causes. There aren’t many people who can say that they’ve not been close to someone who has suffered from cancer. So we hope by taking on the three peak challenge we can raise some cash and help make a small difference.”
Leading the challenge is Bus Driver, Paul Croker. The 42 year old from Galashiels has worked for First since 2013 and said: “Training has been intense – indeed I’ve never felt fitter after running up and down the Pentlands for the last couple of months. We’re really looking forward to the challenge and I’m proud to be taking on the three peaks with a great bunch of guys.”
First Borders colleagues, Ian McCutcheon and Jose Hoyes, will be driving the trio between locations, providing much needed food and, should the worst happen, step in if anyone cannot continue.
Lee Young, Operations Manager at Galashiels Depot, said: “It’s a really great cause. The commitment that the guys have shown already to prepare for the trek is fantastic.”
The group hopes to raise more than £2,000 in total. More than £1,000 has been donated already, including some support from the Charity Committee at FirstGroup, parent company to First Borders.
For more information about the challenge or to make a donation, visit:
www.justgiving.com/lee-young1.