Paisley Daily Express

FUNDRAISER­S ARE SUMMIT SPECIAL

- DAVID CAMPBELL

A group of determined pals have scaled Britain’s highest peak to raise almost £6,000 for Prostate Cancer UK.

The intrepid group of 50 lads climbed Ben Nevis together in a trip organised by 23-year-old Christophe­r McInnes . He was spurred into action following the death of his grandfathe­r John McLaughlin, 69, from Erskine, who passed away from the disease.

The whole team reached the top of the 4,413 ft mountain on Saturday in an amazing effort by everyone.

Ma r i n e engineer Christophe­r, also from Erskine, praised everyone involved for their determinat­ion and spirit on the day.

He said: “Ben Nevis completed.

“The time I have for each and every one of the boys who all completed it is more than anyone can imagine.

“The effort from each boy was sensationa­l.

“Due to the large group there was a lot of staggered summit times but every single one of us made it and made it safely.

“So happy to reach the top, nothing beats the feeling.

“Highest in the UK done with the best group of lads.

“The final takings will be counted but it was about making it to the top of Ben Nevis for Prostate Cancer UK and we made it at a canter.”

He also explained how much the trip meant not only to him but to many in the group who have been impacted by cancer.

He said “The cause is very close to my heart, having lost my grandfathe­r to this horrible disease.

“Many of the boys were climbing for similar reasons.

“I lost my grandfathe­r John McLaughlin a few years back and never quite got my head around it.

“I had never lost anyone close to me and it came as a massive shock to the system. The man was one of the fittest and healthiest 69-year-olds you could have met and was a very wellknown gentleman in and around Renfrewshi­re.

“One day everything was normal in life and the next day it was all taken away, with him given just a number of days to live.”

An amazing £ 5,700 has been raised, with donations still rolling in. All the money collected is going to Prostate Cancer UK.

If you wish to donate, visit: https://bit.ly/2DNEoEI

 ??  ?? Close bond Christophe­r and grandfathe­r John McLaughlin who passed away from cancer
Close bond Christophe­r and grandfathe­r John McLaughlin who passed away from cancer

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