Would you 'hug a mountain' to help to raise cash for Mikeysline? One intrepid Inverness climber plans to cuddle 282 Munros in 282 days
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A woman from Inverness is attempting to climb 282 Munros in 282 days to raise money for Mikeysline.
Counsellor Shona Macpherson (44), who plans to share her adventures on social media, said the challenge – known as a Munro Round – is to raise awareness of mental health.
Ms Macpherson, who last year completed the Pacific Crest Trail in North America, described her last adventure as a “real challenge” for her – but she is looking forward to inspiring others.
Ms Macpherson, from Ballifeary, started the challenge on November 1, and hopes to complete it on August 10 at Ben Wyvis, near Garve.
“I worked for [suicide prevention charity] Mikeysline and I still do some work for them so it is a charity that I know can make a real difference in people’s lives.
“Mental health and suicide prevention is incredibly important. I believe in what Mikeysline are doing so well.
“I will not be climbing every day, as I am continuing to work as I complete the challenge – but I do hope to be out most weekends as long as it is safe to be out.
“Many of the Munros are grouped together, so in some parts of the country you can do a few in a day.
“Safety is very important for me, so I am taking all the best advice, and where possible people will be joining me.”
She has completed training in winter climbing and is fully equipped with kit such as ice axes and crampons.
“For me this is a real challenge,” she said. “Although I walk and climb, and I am member of Inverness Mountaineering Club, I am relatively new to climbing I only really got into it over the last five years – and I have only ever climbed 60 Munros.
“I know that some days I will not be able to go out due to winter conditions and that is part of the challenge.”
Ms Macpherson said that suffering from Raynaud’s syndrome, a circulation condition that reduces blood flow to fingers and other parts of the body, meant during the winter she was often cold.
“I believe that sometimes we need to re-frame our own personal challenges, and this will help me to get out the house,” she added. “This challenge will certainly be good for me.
“I don’t like to see it as bagging a mountain, I like to see it as hugging the mountains. I am an incredibly fortunate woman to be able to do this.
“I hope that people will enjoy the pictures and stories I am going to share from my climbs. Part of my reason for doing it is for me to get out to my happy place, and I want to share that. I hope it will bring others happiness.”
Donate at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/shona-macpherson4
Read about some of Shona Macpherson's other adventures:
Inverness trekker Shona Macpherson completes Pacific Crest Trail and raises thousands for Mikeysline
