Three team members from Ostle’s Tyres climbed Ben Nevis recently to fundraise for a local charity, The Lavender Touch. However, Martin Gibb (47), Tyler Grainger (23) and Lewis Swaney (25), all from Galashiels, decided to up the challenge by carrying a 9.7kg Fulda All Season Tyre to the summit.
Martin initially planned a solo trip up the Munro as a personal challenge, and it was during conversations at work about his plans when colleagues Lewis and Tyler said they would like to join him. Martin then decided it would be good to do the walk as a charity fundraiser, which is when Lewis suggested that it would be a more interesting challenge if the three took turns to carry a tyre to the summit. Mindful of the profile of the larger national charities, they decided to support a regional charity instead; the trio contacted The Lavender Touch and offered to fundraise on their behalf.
Operating across the Scottish Borders, The Lavender Touch is a local charity that provides a range of therapeutic treatments for people living with cancer, providing much-needed relief of symptoms and side effects of the disease and its medical treatment, or for their loved ones and carers, who benefit from the respite a treatment offers. When asked why they chose The Lavender Touch, Martin said: “All of us know or are related to someone who has had cancer; we wanted to raise awareness of what the charity does locally and raise more funds so they can continue their brilliant work”.
The trio trained hard for a few months in preparation, each making sure to get out walking regularly, tackling as many hills as possible. They kept customers, family and friends updated on their progress via social media channels by sharing pictures and stories of their walks and encouraging donations.
Jan Beattie, chair of The Lavender Touch, said: “We are always amazed at what people achieve in their efforts when fundraising for the charity. Carrying a tyre up 4,411ft to the summit of Ben Nevis is no mean feat! We are very grateful for the support of everyone at Ostle’s and to everybody who donated.”
Following the challenge on Saturday 1st July, Martin said: The walk was easy to start with but as we progressed, it got colder, with wind and rain. We’re all pleased to have completed the challenge and are grateful to everyone who supported us, including my partner, Lyn, who joined us on the walk, taking photos for social media, and Micheldever Tyre Service who sponsored our essential outdoor wear!”
To organise a referral for treatment, people are encouraged to speak with their health care professionals. To learn more about organising a fundraising event or other ways to donate, visit The Lavender Touch’s fundraising page: www.lavendertouch.co.uk/fundraising/ or get in touch with one of The Lavender Touch team to find out more.
