Climbing Ben Nevis just once would be an achievement for most, but one man is aiming to take on the challenge – not once, but three times in one day – to raise funds for Samaritans.
Kenny McLaughlin set himself the ambitious target last November and embarked on an intensive training schedule with 5am rises and hikes between work shifts.
Remarkably, the 53-year-old had no previous climbing experience.
Kenny, who lives in Morvern in the West Highlands, has already raised more than £7,000 – boosted by the auction of a signed Jack Grealish shirt, donated to Kenny by Manchester City.
Kenny will climb Ben Nevis for the first time on the day of his challenge - Tuesday May 14, which falls during Mental Health Awareness Week (May 13 to 19).
The Highlands region recorded the second highest rate of probable suicides in Scotland between 2017 and 2021, according to data from the National Records of Scotland.
He said: “People have this romantic notion of the Scottish Highlands and how beautiful it is, and how lucky people are to live here.
“The reality can be quite different for some, with often limited career prospects, poor financial stability, and in truth, little to do for many people.
“This could lead some people down a road of alcohol and substance abuse, and poor mental health.
“Samaritans can be the first call someone makes when they feel that they are struggling. And, for others, it is the last resort when they are in their darkest place.
“Whenever that call is made, it is vitally important that someone is on the other end of the line to talk with, to listen.
“With that in mind, I decided to raise money for Samaritans, and thanks to an incredible level of support, I have already far exceeded my original £500 target before setting foot on Ben Nevis.”
While Kenny’s Ben Nevis challenge will take part over the course of one day, it comes after months of gruelling training and preparation.
He explained: “For six months now I have been in the hills two or three times every week.
“I started with 5am rises in November to do two-mile walks before work and increased it as the weeks went on.
“Lately I have climbed Ben More on Mull twice on the same day, with a 15-minute break in between, on four different occasions.
“Initially it was difficult forcing myself to go out on my own in the dark when it was snowing and blowing a gale, knowing that it was a climb I wasn't going to enjoy because my fitness levels weren't there yet. But seeing the physical change in my own wellbeing, and how much further and faster I can complete hikes now makes me feel really proud of myself.”
He added: “I've booked accommodation at the foot of Ben Nevis, not for sleeping, but so that I have facilities for showering between climbs, somewhere to boil a kettle or cook some pasta.
“I think starting the second climb will be the most challenging part. The first will be a big
adrenaline rush, the last will be the big push with a light at the end of the tunnel, but the second is going to be a long hard slog!
“I have lots of people to thank for their support – my wife, Kathryn; my work, Ardtornish, for allowing me flexibility at work and also for supporting me financially; CalMac for giving me free ferry tickets to train on Ben More on Mull; and most definitely Scott Pickles, who is going to be doing the challenge with me.
“I’d also like to thank everyone who has made a contribution and got me over the £7,000 mark for Samaritans – it really is very much appreciated.”
Neil Mathers, Executive Director of Samaritans Scotland, wished Kenny good luck ahead of the challenge.
He said: “I was delighted to hear of Kenny’s incredible challenge to raise money for Samaritans – to climb Ben Nevis just once would be a massive achievement for many, but to climb it three times in one day is extraordinary.
“Kenny’s plan is all the more notable as it is taking place during Mental Health Awareness Week, which this year highlights the benefits to all of us of being active and moving more.
“The Samaritans Scotland team wish Kenny all the very best as he continues his training, and we look forward to hearing all about his remarkable challenge – after he has had time to catch his breath, of course!”
If you are interested in donating to Kenny's fundraiser, you can do that here 👇
Kenny's climbing Ben Nevis THREE TIMES in 24 HOURS for the Samaritans