Rutherglen Reformer

Steven hits new heights to raise over £3000 for autism charity

- NIKI TENNANT

A Cambuslang grandfathe­r scaled five peaks in 24 hours last weekend to raise cash for a Lanarkshir­e charity that helps his two nephews who’re on the autistic spectrum.

Gutsy Steven Malone, 50, climbed a total of 4,575 metres – that’s almost the height of Kilimanjar­o – to raise £3140 for REACH Lanarkshir­e Autism.

He was inspired to take part in a coaching and empowermen­t week, which culminated in the five peaks endurance challenge, by his nephews, Alfie, three, and four-year-old Charlie Reilly.

The boys and their families, also of Cambuslang, receive emotional and practical support and guidance from REACH, which raises awareness of autism within the home and in the local and wider community.

Steven and other adventurer­s taking part in the Reach Your Peak challenge set off from Mar Hall in Bishopton for Fort William at 5.30am on Thursday, starting their first climb at 10am.

The dad-of-five scaled Ben Nevis (1345m), Beinn Ime (1011m), The Cobbler (884m), Ben Lomond (974m) and Conic Hill (361m), sometimes in atrocious weather conditions.

“The weather was terrible. It was snowing and icy,” said Steven, who has a two-year-old grandson, Kieran,

“At Ben Ime, the snow started and there were gale force winds. I was feeling quite unwell at that stage.”

The team reached the top of The Cobbler at midnight before driving to Rowerdenna­n and embarking on their climb of Ben Lomond at 2.30am.

He said: “It was pretty dangerous, just pure ice. Snow and winds started at the top and I was shattered by that point. It was quite scary, but we did it.”

By the time Steven and fellow adventurer­s returned to Mar Hall, they had been awake for 32 hours.

“Sleep deprivatio­n was a struggle, because I like my bed,” admitted Steven.

“I always get up early, but I’m in my bed by 9pm.”

It was a far cry from his day job as boss of Cambuslang-based Evana Roofing Limited, where Steven’s used to climbing nothing higher than a roof top.

But the experience, which he describes as “amazing,” has given unstoppabl­e Steven so much inspiratio­n that he’s already signed up to scale Kilimanjar­o (5895m) next year to raise even more cash for REACH Lanarkshir­e Autism.

Steven’s children – Steven, 28, Caitlin, 25, Sean, 18, Neve, 16, and six-year-old Carys – are so proud of their dad’s achievemen­t, as is wife Jo.

And his sister-in-law, Holly Reilly, was over the moon that it was all in aid of the charity that’s given her family so much support.

“When Stevie told me he was climbing the five peaks and he was doing it for the boys, I was overwhelme­d,” said Holly.

“But I knew the charity he should help and it was REACH Lanarkshir­e, who have been the biggest help to my family over the past year, with both my boys awaiting their diagnosis.

“They have provided comfort, help, kind words and a better understand­ing on how to help my children in everyday life.

“Without people like Steven doing events like this, there wouldn’t be a service to help families like myself.

“So from Alfie, Charlie, James and myself, we are so proud of what you have achieved in your journey, Steven. Thank you!”

REACH Lanarkshir­e Autism was establishe­d in 2012 and currently provides support and out-of-school autism-specific groups for young people, including Lego Robotics, youth, teen and girl groups, swimming lessons and horse therapy.

It has around 300 members and every penny of fundraisin­g goes straight to the children’s groups.

Colin Smith, manager of REACH, said: “On behalf of all of our members, I would like to thank Steven of Evana Roofing for choosing us as his nominated local charity while fundraisin­g for his five peaks challenge and he has managed to raise a fantastic amount.”

The Malone family extend a massive thank you to the numerous local businesses who donated to a recent raffle in support of REACH.

 ??  ?? Determined­Steven ascended five Scottish peaks as part of the gruelling challenge
Determined­Steven ascended five Scottish peaks as part of the gruelling challenge
 ??  ?? Three cheers Alfie congratula­tes uncle Steven on his achievemen­t
Three cheers Alfie congratula­tes uncle Steven on his achievemen­t
 ??  ?? Inspiratio­n Charlie and his family receive support from REACH
Inspiratio­n Charlie and his family receive support from REACH

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