A team of friends from the Lothians conquered the Great Glencoe Challenge to raise funds for the National Deaf Children’s Society on 3 July.
The four friends were Sarah Johnson from Dunbar, Rachel McWilliams from Bonnyrigg, and Louise Strutt and Susan Thomson, both from Musselburgh.
The quartet conquered the 26.2-mile challenge, from the heart of Glencoe, over the infamous Devils Staircase on the West Highland Way and finishing at the foot of Ben Nevis, in a time of 10 hours, 54 minutes.
The women, who became firm friends through attending the same gym class, were inspired to take on the challenge for the National Deaf Children’s Society by Louise’s son Harry, 11, who has been deaf from an early age and wears hearing aids.
The family received support from the National Deaf Children’s Society during Harry’s early years.
The team has raised over £3,000 for the National Deaf Children’s Society, which supports the UK’s 50,000 deaf children and their families.
Louise said: “We decided that we’d do this for the National Deaf Children’s Society a couple of years ago. It’s called ‘Scotland’s toughest trekathon.’ It was hard work but great fun.
“Thankfully the weather held out for us, we took our time and had plenty of pit stops and celebrated with a glass or two of prosecco afterwards. We’ve been waiting well over a year to do this after all.
“We all met at our local gym and have been friends ever since. I suggested we should fundraise for the National Deaf Children’s Society because of the incredible support they gave me and Harry when he was younger. Not to mention the guidance they gave his school to support his education.
“The challenge was a tough one but nothing like the challenge deaf children face up and down the country every day.
“The girls were all immediately on board with the idea. We all hope the money we raised makes a difference to more families like mine.”
Elle Billinge, of the National Deaf Children’s Society’s fundraising team, added: “I want to say a huge thank you and congratulations to Sarah, Rachel, Louise and Susan for their incredible determination in taking on the Great Glencoe Challenge. It was a truly awesome challenge and you’re all heroes!
“The National Deaf Children’s Society is dedicated to supporting the UK’s 50,000 deaf children and their families. The efforts of selfless fundraisers like these four women will help us to keep on doing our vital work, now and into the future.”
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