Brian hikes ahead with charity venture
A Hamilton dad, who has raised thousands of pounds for Diabetes UK, is gearing up to take part in another gruelling challenge.
Brian Thomson is heading to Morocco to climb Mount Toubkal, the highest mountain in North Africa.
And he will take on the 13,700 feet challenge between August 7 and 11 in aid of the charity.
Brian says it will take him two day to go up and down the mountain and he will be camping on the mountain.
The 54-year-old home care worker explained: “Hopefully it isn’t too hot and I can deal with the altitude.
“Fingers crossed it’s another successful hike raising lots of money for Diabetes UK.
“I don’t have too long to rest when I get back, as on September 7 we have our 80s night in John Carrigan’s Eating House in Hamilton, which is already a sellout and will hopefully give next year’s fundraising a good start.
“I haven’t decided which challenge to take on yet but I’m sure I will find something to do.”
On Saturday, July 13, Brian hosted his annual Hike4hayley event in Arrochar.
Each year he hosts it to raise awareness of those who live with diabetes – including his daughter Hayley.
This was their fifth hike raising funds for the charity, and their best turnout to date.
He said: “Twenty of us managed to climb Ben Ime, the highest of the Arrochar Alps standing at 3316 feet.
“The weather was absolutely perfect – not too hot with a nice breeze on the way up and luckily it only started to get really warm on the walk out.
“I set a target of £500 but already we have £575 on the page, with more still to be collected. It’s probably going to be nearer £700, which will be added to my Mount Toubkal page which has £1175 on it just now.”
If anyone would like to make a donation toward’s Brian’s fundraising efforts, look up his Facebook page at www.facebook. com/hike4hayley for more information.