Local man takes on The Three Peaks with friends

Cammy McKinnell, 37 from Troon is scaling the three highest peaks in Scotland, England & Wales for charity with eleven of his friends.

The challenge will take place on Friday 21^st Saturday 22^nd April, seeing them scale the three highest peaks of Scotland (Ben Nevis), England (Scafell Pike) and Wales (Snowdon) - all within 24 hours! The challenge involves a total hiking distance of 37km (23 miles) and a total ascent of 3064 metres - plus over 450 miles of driving added into the mix.

The group will be raising funds for the Stroke Association, a cause close to their heart, given Cammy himself had an Ischaemic stroke at the age of 27 whilst playing football as captain for his local club, Troon Football Club.

Following his stroke Cammy struggled with many day to day tasks due to limited mobility along with tremendous fatigue, but his determination and the support he received from his family & friends helped him to make as full a recovery as possible. Not only did he make as full a recovery as possible - he managed to get back playing football only seven months later, ran the Edinburgh Marathon for charity 2 years later, and now has roped in friends to take on the latest gruelling challenge.

Cammy said:

“The UK three Peaks challenge is both a physical and mental challenge for our full group. Not only will it drive us to push ourselves to the limit, we plan to have fun along the way, all for an incredible cause.

“In addition to the physical healthcare from the NHS, without the information and support I received from the Stroke Association, both in person and online soon after my stroke I would not have been able to fully understand my frustrations. Relating to and learning from other case studies of similar people, gave me the confidence and the energy to keep on pushing to get my life back. Without this support I'm not sure I would be back where I am now, as the effort in those early days really do matter.”

Andrea Watt, Relationship Fundraiser in Scotland said:

“This is a tremendous challenge and no mean feat for anyone. We are not only delighted the charity helped Cammy during his recovery, but thrilled he is leading a full life now as a busy father of two, and able to take on challenges like this.

“Stroke is a leading cause of disability, yet awareness is low and it is underfunded. The funds raised by Cammy and his friends will help us to invest in research and provide support to people affected by stroke, so they can rebuild their lives again. Thank you and good luck all!”

Cammy said:

“Having a stroke was a major event in my life, but I’ve made a good recovery and life is as normal as I remember it before again. Taking on this challenge is a big deal for all of us, but we hope with training and determination, we will get through it together.”

To sponsor Cammy and his friends, you can go to their justgiving page here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/uk-three-peaks-challenge-in-twenty-four-hours