Wheelchair trio to climb Nevis
Elaine Grundy • Published 16 Jun 2011 12:00
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PEAK PRACTICE: Darryl, Andy and Clare are preparing for the gruelling ascent of the 4,400ft summit.
Picture: Kris Cairns
A GREENOCK disabled couple are gearing up for one of the biggest challenges of their lives - scaling the dizzy heights of Ben Nevis.
Clare and Darryl Stewart, who both have cerebral palsy, will make their bid to reach the top using special wheelchairs designed to cope with Britain's biggest mountain.
Clare and Darryl will take on the tough terrain on 20 August as part of The Bowmore Ben Nevis Challenge, which is being organised to raise cash for Capability Scotland.
Also taking part in the gruelling climb is another Greenockian, Andy Steen, who joined as a late participant after another mountaineer had to pull out.
Clare, 36, said: "It will be extremely difficult - it is the biggest challenge of my life but I am going to give it my best. We have a team of five able bodies each to assist us.
"They push the chair and have special equipment to pull the chair, plus a rope to help get the chair down the hill."
Twelve teams of six are taking part in the venture with each team led by disabled people who have a variety of impairments.
Clare, Darryl and Andy, who are in different teams for the challenge, will have to get to the top and back in under 10 hours.
Clare said: "There will be a cut-off point because the organisers don't want us there in the dark so we have to start at 5.30am.
"It is something different and something I wouldn't have thought of doing but it gives us inspiration, because being in a wheelchair doesn't stop you doing things out of the ordinary."
The local trio have already completed their first training weekend in Aberfoyle and are now building up their fitness levels - meaning Clare has had to ditch her favourite treat - chips.
She said: "We have to exercise and watch our diet because we have to steer and we are in total control.
"We will have to look ahead and tell them what is coming and what is happening.
"Just now I have been walking twice a day up and down the landing at home. I use a walker in the house and I am using the walker to strengthen my legs and arms because I have to be as mobile as I can to steer the chair and I am trying to watch my weight.
"I have cut out the chips and crisps and I am having to drink more water, which is something I have seldom done."
In order to train for the venture, Andy is planning on cycling to build up his fitness.
Andy, 45, said: "I have a hand cycle that bolts on to the front of my wheelchair and I am going to do a bit more of that to increase my fitness level.
"I'll be meeting up with other team members to get some additional training in to improve techniques. We will be pulling the chair over boulders and my team is going to do the first hour or hour-and-a-half of Ben Nevis to give us an idea of what to expect.
"I am looking forward to it - if the training weekend is anything to go by it will be spectacular."
It is hoped the challenge Clare, Darryl and Andy are involved in will raise more than £100,000 overall for Capability Scotland
This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 16 Jun 11
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scotgirl
44 posts
Jun 18, 22:33
Report commentGOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL!! What an inspiration!
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lynnex1690x
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Jun 21, 00:16
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