Wheelchair Users to Scale Britain’s Highest Peak

Twelve teams of wheelchair users and able-bodied participants are aiming to take on Britain’s highest challenge by scaling Ben Nevis.  The 2011 Bowmore Ben Nevis event is being organised by disability charity Capability Scotland, with support from malt whisky distillery Bowmore, from the island of Islay.

Taking place in August of this year, participants are being led by ex-SAS man and TV presenter Ken Hames.

The twelve teams of six will be led by disabled people who have various mobility impairments, including wheelchair users.  The group are hoping to beat the £100,000 raised in the 2008 challenge.

Wheelchair Excitement

Commenting on the Challenge, Ken said: “I’m passionate about the great outdoors and about opening it up to everyone who wants to experience the excitement and challenge it offers.  The great outdoors inspires me to challenge the status quo and to continue to offer support and opportunities while promoting inclusion in all walks of life.”

All money raised from the challenge will go towards Capability Scotland and the support services it provides for disabled people such as running campaigns to support disabled vehicles used in community transport schemes, wheelchair accessible and supportive housing and improving access for disabled people to public places.

Richard Hamer, from Capability Scotland, commented: “As well as challenging the people participating in the event we want to challenge people’s expectations of what is possible.

“Disabled people, just like able bodies people want the opportunity to explore and enjoy every part of what our beautiful country has to offer, an opportunity which they are not always given.”