Three local bus company employees are limbering up to take on a strenuous 24-hour trek in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.
Derek Gray, Gary Muir and Paul Croker work for First Borders, based at the Galashiels depot, and will take on the Three Peaks Challenge this weekend.
The trio has 24 hours to complete the walk, scaling the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon respectively.
The death of Gary’s mother Mary last year, after a three-year battle with lung cancer, is one of the main motivations for the three taking on the challenge.
Gary, 47, has already lost more than a stone in weight during his training.
He said: “We chose this challenge because it will be a proper test, both physically and mentally.
“The fact that we’ve got such a short time to do it has given us real motivation to train and make sure that we get through it for all those who have kindly donated so far.”
Gary, who lives in Galashiels, added: “Unfortunately, given the death of my mother from lung cancer, I am very much aware of the pain and suffering cancer causes.
“There aren’t many people who can say that they’ve not been close to someone who has suffered from cancer. So we hope by taking on the Three Peaks Challenge we can raise some cash and help make a small difference.”
Bus driver Paul Croker, also from Galashiels, said: “Training has been intense - indeed I’ve never felt fitter after running up and down the Pentlands for the last couple of months.
“We’re really looking forward to the challenge and I’m proud to be taking on the three peaks with a great bunch of guys.”
First Borders colleagues, Ian McCutcheon and Jose Hoyes, will be driving the trio between locations, providing much needed food and, should the worst happen, step in if anyone cannot continue.
Lee Young, operations manager at the Galashiels depot, said: “It’s a really great cause and the commitment that the guys have shown already to prepare for the trek is fantastic.”
The group hopes to raise more than £2,000 in total. More than £1,000 has been donated already, including some support from FirstGroup, parent company to First Borders.
To make a donation, visit: www.justgiving.com/lee-young1.