The Everest Challenge on Criffel – A Test of Endurance, Grit and Determination

This September, crew member Jamie Milligan is taking on a challenge unlike any other – a brutal test of physical and mental endurance to raise vital funds for Nith Inshore Rescue.

Starting Tuesday, 23rd September 2025, Jamie will attempt to summit and descend Criffel – our local mountain – more than 16 times in just four days. Why? To scale the combined height of Mount Everest – and more. That’s 9,120m of ascent and descent, all on foot, while carrying the full weight of his operational lifeboat kit. This is the same kit he wears when he’s called out to real-life emergencies, often in the worst conditions imaginable.

Each lap involves a punishing 570m climb and descent, covering a total distance of over 70 miles on rugged terrain. And there’s no warm bed at the end of each day – Jamie will be wild camping throughout the challenge, relying on sheer resilience, preparation, and grit.

Training has already begun. Jamie is pushing his fitness and stamina to the limit to ensure he’s ready to face what will be an exhausting, punishing, and relentless few days on the hill – all in support of an incredible cause.

Nith Inshore Rescue is an independent, volunteer-run search and rescue charity. They’re always on call – day or night – and are often the difference between life and death, wholly operated by a team of highly trained and professionally equipped volunteers. Your support will help save lives.

Nith Inshore Rescue is not linked to the RNLI and need to raise all their own funds in order to run. Approx. £35K per year.

Our mission is “To protect and save lives, and when life is lost do everything we can to recover loved ones for those who are experiencing loss”.

Please support Jamie and help save lives by donating whatever you can.