Alice’s charity drive was summit special
Nurse climbs Ben Nevis as tribute to her parents
Nurse Alice Lawrie said pure determination helped her reach the top of Scotland’s highest mountain in tribute to her parents.
The Ferguslie Park resident and Royal Alexandra Hospital nurse climbed Ben Nevis to raise money for mental health charity, RAMH.
The charity supports people with various issues and it’s a cause close to Alice’s heart as her late parents both lived with mental health problems for much of their lives.
Alice’s mum Mary had bipolar disorder and spent several spells in Dykebar Hospital.
She had electric shock treatment 12 times, the last when she was 70.
Her dad John also had spells of depression throughout his life.
Alice said: “It was an exciting, thrilling and very challenging climb to the summit.
“We started at 6am and when we got half way up the mountain it became quite crowded as people who had begun at 3am were already on their way down.
“My cousin Mary fell a few times, missing her footing on the rocks, but people were so helpful at pulling her up. “Thankfully we had no broken bones.” She added: “It was pure determination, grit and knowing we were helping a great cause that kept us going.
“And, of course, the breathtaking views.
“The sun was on our side until reaching the summit when the weather changed dramatically from golden sun to dark thick mist.
“We were not expecting the wind, hailstones and snow to come at once.”
RAMH promotes recovery from mental ill health, and empowers people to build independent, fulfilled lives.
The charity supports a range of diagnoses including depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder.
Alice’s efforts raised £220 for RAMH, which has its headquarters in Paisley.
RAMH chief executive Stephen McLellan said: “We’re hugely grateful to Alice and Mary for their superb efforts.
“They successfully completed a 10 hour climb of Ben Nevis and have raised crucial cash and increased awareness for local mental health.”
Alice said: “We achieved what we had set out to do, to climb Ben Nevis, and I think my parents would be proud of me knowing I have done this for RAMH.”
To support RAMH visit www.ramh.org/ fundraising or contact enquiries@ramh. org or 0141 847 8900 for a free fundraising pack.
The RAMH Canyoning Challenge takes place on Saturday, August 26 with registration costing £15.
See the website for more details or contact RAMH for a registration form.
I think my parents would be proud of me knowing I have done this for RAMH Alice Lawrie