Island Co-op colleagues conquer Ben Nevis

Colleagues from 18 Co-op stores right across the Highlands and Islands took on the might of Ben Nevis recently to raise funds for Scottish Mountain Rescue and Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA).
Celebrating their success at the top of a misty Ben Nevis.Celebrating their success at the top of a misty Ben Nevis.
Celebrating their success at the top of a misty Ben Nevis.

The nine-hour epic sponsored hike raised over £15,000 for both causes.

Co-op area manager, Kevin Buchan, said: “Both the Mountain Rescue and Air Ambulance teams regularly put their lives on the line so that people can enjoy the sheer physical beauty that the Northern Scotland Highlands & Islands offers.

“Our Co-op colleagues felt passionately that they wanted to test themselves both physically and mentally in order to raise essential funds for these incredible organisations and it’s certainly a day we will never, ever forget!”

Steven Cooper, store manager at Stornoway’s Macaulay Road Co-op, who also took part in the challenge, said: “I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that the climb was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done in my life.

“With wind speeds over 50mph and driving rain it was a real test of character!

“Nine hours later we were all totally exhausted but absolutely thrilled to have reached the top. We’d like to thank everyone who sponsored us and are delighted to have raised so much for two very worthy causes.”