An Oban cyclist is celebrating this week after “Everes-ting” Cruachan Dam on Saturday to raise funds in memory of his friend.
The concept of “Everest-ing” is simple: pick any hill, anywhere in the world and ride repeats of it in a single activity until you climb 8,848 metres, the height of the world’s tallest peak, Mount Everest.
Craig Donald set out to do just that and raise money for Argyll Wellbeing Hub.
He said: “I cycled 28 reps of Cruachan Dam road, which was 155 miles and the equivalent of 8,848 metres in around 16 hours.
“I have always wanted to do something for my passed friend. His family have agreed for me to do it on behalf of him.”
Six years ago, Craig lost one of his best friends Craig Handley.
Explaining on his Just Giving fundraising page, “Craig’s fundraiser for Argyll Wellbeing Hub”, he said: “One evening, I was speaking to one of my best pals, just like any other conversation we would have. The next day I received the news he had committed suicide.
“I was affected by the passing of my friend and although it always will, I found this deepen during Covid-19 lockdown. Cycling became my escape, which I quickly learned was not only a benefit for my physical health, but majorly improved my mental health, therefore I would encourage people to use exercise to help their mental health, and services such as Argyll Wellbeing Hub.
“If even one person seeks the help they need from this, then I have achieved something.
Following his challenge on Saturday, Craig told us: “Somehow I managed it. It was horribly cold in the morning and I started at 5.45am, but it warmed up a couple hours in and I did 36 laps up and down the chosen route.
“A few folk came out to ride and sit with me.
“There were a few difficult moments and I burned 8800 calories – which is a lot.
“Ride time was 14 hours nine minutes; elapse 16:43, stopping for fuel and to heat up my feet in the morning. Ride was 231km, elevation 9,316m as I ended up doing an extra rep as I lost count.
“The weather was a struggle mentally, but it lifted and I only got the odd drizzle shower. I consumed enough food and sugar to feed a household.
“The day went in so fast considering I was riding for so long.”
Craig had raised £2,316 as of Monday, 92 per cent of his target. There is still time to donate by visiting the page.
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