Going the distance
Dad’s charity trek for daughter
A Hamilton dad, who is set to take part in a trek in Peru later this year in aid of Diabetes UK, has just completed a climb on Ben Lomond.
Eddlewood’s Brian Thomson, who has raised thousands of pounds for the charity, did the annual Hike 4 Hayley event on Saturday, June 18, with 12 others who climbed Ben Lomond raising around £500.
Each year he hosts the event to raise awareness of those who live with diabetes – which includes his daughter Hayley.
Brian has climbed Ben Nevis and Mount Kilimanjaro, and trekked the West Highland Way and the Great Wall of China, in aid of Kidney Research UK.
He has also climbed the three highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales in under 24 hours to raise cash for Diabetes UK.
Last October he raised thousands of pounds for Diabetes UK by trekking in the Grand Canyon.
Speaking about his tough trek last year in America he said: “We descended 3100ft and trekked along trails to the Havasupai Indian Reserve before making our way back up and out.
“It was an amazing experience in some of the most beautiful surroundings I have ever seen.
“I had the privilege of camping for three nights in the Havasupai Indian Reservation underneath the stars, which looked amazing.
“We set out early each morning exploring the surrounding waterfalls, caves and old mines encountering rattlesnakes, tarantulas and bighorn, which are a type of deer/goat.
“The toughest trek was the morning we had to make our way out of the canyon.
“We set off at 5.30am and managed to make it up the 4900ft climb onto the rim in four hours before the sun was at its strongest which was a blessing as the temperature soared by 10am.
“There were 26 of us in all raising funds for various different charities and yet again I made some good friends that I will keep in touch with. I managed to raise £3323 for Diabetes UK and I would like to thank everyone who helped especially my family.”
Keeping up with the fundraising he held the annual Hike 4 Hayley trek this month.
He said: “It was a lovely warm day with great views of Loch Lomond the only down side being the midges, which were horrendous. Thanks to everyone who took part and everyone who donated.
“Next up is my tandem skydive on August 6 at Strathallan in Perthshire which I think I’m looking forward to, followed with a race night in Roxy’s Bar in Hamilton on Friday, August 19, then the annual Hallowe’en party on Saturday, August 22, at the Barleycorn in Hamilton with all the usual great prizes,buffet and DJ. Tickets are £5.
“Then at the start of November I’m off to Peru to trek to Machu Picchu again all funds raised going to Diabetes UK.
“If anyone would like to make a donation to any of the challenges you can do so by uk.virginmoneygiving. com/brianthomson8465 or contact me via email - bthom8465@gmail. com.”