Intrepid climbers reach bigger heights
Two Arran Mountain Rescue Team members have completed an epic 17-hour traverse of Arran’s 12 summits in a fundraising effort in support of the mountain rescue teams on Arran and in Mulanje, Malawi.
Showing their stamina, dedication and support for the organisations, Kirstie Smith and Lucy Wallace of Arran Mountain Rescue Team (AMRT) walked 22 miles with more than 9,400ft of ascent.
The ladies were joined in the challenge, dubbed the Arran 700’s challenge owing to the height of the peaks, by search dog Caileag, who managed 17 miles during 13 hours of climbing before falling asleep on her feet.
The proceeds of the £2,000 raised on their Justgiving page which can be found at www.justgiving. com/crowdfunding/Arran700s will be shared by AMRT and the Mulanje Mountain Rescue Team, (MMRT) which Lucy Wallace decided to help after a visit where she discovered how under funded and short of equipment they are.
Incredible
Kirstie Smith said: ‘It was certainly one of the toughest but best hill days the both of us have ever had together and it was just incredible to do such a big challenge on the local hills we both love.
‘We would like to say a massive thank you to everyone whose support helped us to complete the challenge. Also a huge thank you to all the kind people of Arran and elsewhere who have donated, handed us money and sent us words of encouragement.’
Challenge organiser Lucy Wallace added: ‘We are bowled over by the support, good wishes and cash we have received.
‘Both organisations are completely funded by donations and fundraising so they appreciate any help they can get.
‘On Mulanje, the highest mountain in Malawi, MMRT are particularly poorly funded with team members risking their lives to save others with only rudimentary equipment and basic training. If you are able to contribute to the Justgiving page, your donations will be used to save lives both home and abroad.’