Ben Nevis Disability Challenge Set to Roll

The wait is almost over for participants in the 2011 Bowmore Ben Nevis Challenge, which takes place this Saturday (20th August, 2011).

Sponsored by Bowmore, the first Islay Single Malt Whisky, the event will be the culmination of months of training and preparation for the seven teams of disabled and non disabled people who will work together on the challenge of scaling the UK’s highest peak.

Guided by ex-SAS officer and TV Presenter Ken Hames, the teams will be led by disabled people with a variety of impairments.  Complete with wheelchairs, physical effort and guile, participants will brave the Scottish mountain climate as the attempt to navigate their way to the summit and in the process help raise vital funds for Capability Scotland.

Adapted Wheelchair

Among the participants making the climb are disabled husband and wife Clare and Darryl Stewart. Although Clare and Darryl are heading up separate teams they are united in their goal of making it to the top and raising as much money as possible for Capability Scotland.

Clare, who has been training hard to strengthen her arms and legs so she has the power to steer the specially adapted wheelchair she will use for the climb, commented: “It will be extremely difficult – it’s the biggest challenge of my life but I am going to give it my best!”

Accomplishment

For another team leader, Andy Steen, the event is about showing what disabled people are capable of. He commented: “I’m looking forward to a sense of accomplishment.  How many people can say they’ve been up Ben Nevis?  I’m looking forward to joining that club! I also hope that the event will help dispel the myth that sometimes exists that disabled people need to be wrapped in cotton wool!”

Capability Scotland, Director of External Affairs, Richard Hamer, added: “We’re delighted to have been able to work with our sponsor, Bowmore, to stage this terrific challenge.  Not only will the event help raise vital funds to support disabled people at home, at work and in school it will also hopefully demonstrate just what can be achieved when disabled people are given the opportunity to explore and enjoy every part of our country, an opportunity which they are not always given.”

Cara Laing, Bowmore Brand Manager said:”Bowmore has always been a champion of nature and the great outdoors so we’re delighted to be supporting Capability Scotland and the team to take on this, the ultimate physical and mental challenge for both non disabled and disabled people.

It would be great if our friends can show their support by digging deep and helping to raise our fund-raising goal of £100,000.”

The Bowmore Ben Nevis Challenge takes place near Fort William, in the Scottish Highlands, on Saturday, 20th August.