Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland Looking for Mountain Marvels to Tackle Ben Nevis 

It’s time to reach new heights for a great cause in May!

Entries are open for the Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland Ben Nevis Challenge which takes place on Saturday May 17th. 

Adventurers can view the iconic sites of Scottish natural beauty over the course of one day. This challenge is led by an experienced team of mountaineers from Sport Ecosse, setting off from the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre to view the bonnie summit of Ben Nevis with the option to include the Steall Waterfall – known from the Harry Potter films. 

Anne Magarin, Community, Events and Corporate Fundraiser for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland said: “If you have climbing a mountain on your bucket list or it’s part of your new year resolution, then this is an ideal opportunity to not only tick that off your list but to do it for such a worthwhile cause as well.  

“We have a group of very experienced mountaineers to get us up and down Ben Nevis so this event is for people who are new to the walking scene as well as experienced hill walkers. We will be with you all the way, from supporting you with your fundraising and training, and will be on site to ensure you have the best experience you can. 

“The climb up Ben Nevis can offer some incredibly pretty views if the weather behaves!” 

Marina, who has volunteered at the CHSS shop in Banchory for three years, decided to mark a milestone birthday by taking on Ben Nevis last year to raise money for Scotland’s largest health charity in the process.  

Accompanied by her husband Marcus, whose employer Kellas generously match funded £250, and son Benedict, who was just 7-years-old at the time, the trio raised £810. 

She said: “Last year was a special birthday for me and I wanted to do something memorable on my bucket list. I also thought it would be a good challenge for a 7-year-old. 

“Everywhere you look families and colleagues are affected by chest, heart and stroke conditions and Long Covid. These conditions can happen at any age or time. 

“Doing fundraisers like this can help raise the profile of the charity and let us help more people.” 

Some training before taking part is recommended and a suggested training plan will be provided on registration. 

Routes will be marked with Mountain Leaders to ensure the safety of participants. Suitable clothing should be worn on the day as conditions can change quickly on Ben Nevis.  

To find out more about the fundraising event please go to www.chss.org.uk/supportus/fundraise-for-us/events/ben-nevis-challenge/. 

If you’re living with the effects of a chest, heart or stroke condition or Long Covid and looking for advice and information, please contact Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s Advice Line on 0808 801 0899. You can also text ADVICE to 66777 or email adviceline@chss.org.uk.