Intrepid duo beat weather to step forward for charity

Jun 24 2009 by Judith Tonner, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

TWO intrepid walkers from Shawhead braved Scotland’s traditional “summer” weather and put their best foot forward to raise hundreds of pounds for charity.

David Craig and his stepson Steven Brooks trekked all 95 miles of the West Highland Way, mostly in pouring rain, in aid of the Breast Cancer Campaign.

The charity is close to their hearts as David’s mother, Jan, was diagnosed with the condition in 2005 but has since been successfully treated.

Quarry foreman David, 41, and 20-year-old Steven, an electrician, successfully completed the famous route from Milngavie to Fort William in five days – despite encountering some accommodation difficulties.

David, of Dunottar Avenue, said: “We knew it would be hard but the biggest problem we had was the elements; it was real Scottish weather where we’d get absolutely drenched and then that would be followed by sunshine.

“Towards the end we were getting a bit fed up because of our wet feet, and we also ended up camping every night because we thought we’d be able to get into the boarding houses but they were all booked up months in advance.”

They have already raised more than £700 and hope their final total might reach £1000 and are determined to complete the challenge once again in 2011.