Yeh we did it!  We climbed Ben Nevis on 25th August 2012 to raise money for the Love Hope Strength Foundation...a rock and roll cancer charity. Love Hope Strength Foundation was co-founded in 2007 by Mike Peters, two-times cancer survivor and internationally acclaimed singer of Welsh rock band The Alarm.

We had an early start at 5am and set off in a group of around 200 other LHS supporters.  It was clear in the first 30 minutes that Mhairi was storming ahead so off she went with the other seasoned walkers while mum and her good friend Karen took it slow and sure...(note to self...more cardio fitness training required next time!).  It was relentless...uneven rocky ground, steep 'stairs' with no break of even ground in between.  

Alison (the fan!) took just over 9 hours...it was a hard slog and probably the most challenging thing I've ever done. Gutted that my poor fitness meant just missing the 'highest gig in the UK' by Mike Peters. 

Mhairi however at age 13 (the fit one!) did her first ever munro in a brilliant 7 hours 45 minutes which included a 45 minute stop at the Summit. She managed to see the gig and even tried to play her chanter but the freezing temperatures made it impossible.

We met briefly about 15 mins from the summit...I was a broken woman by that point while Mhairi was positively bouncing with energy for the descent. The decent played havoc with my knees...such pain. However, although I can hardly walk next day, I am so glad that I did it and so proud of Mhairi.  Please have a look at some of our photos of our memorable day.

Thank you all for your support and good wishes which got us (especially me!) through it.

We will leave this page open for any last minute donations for another week.Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer.

Thanks Alison and Mhairi