It’s been a week of ups and downs for Dumfries man Richie Nicoll.
The former soldier has been marching up Criffel and back down again every day in a bid to raise as much cash as possible for Queen of the South FC Community Trust.
The avid Doonhamers fan wants to help fill the shelves of the Trust’s foodbank for those who need it the most.
And because he’s summit special, Richie scaled the 570 metres hill pulling a tyre and carrying a weighted pack.
The 45-year-old said: “I’d like to thank Colin Smith at Smith’s Tyres for the tyre. It’s certainly not taken from a Mini.
“We are all currently living through a period of austerity and the cost of living is crippling for some.
“The rising fuel costs, food bills, the cost of warming homes, and inflation at its highest for a number of years.
“I am looking to raise money for the local community to help ease the financial strain for those who most need it. As an avid QoS Fan, what better way than to raise for the Queen of the South FC Community Trust?
“I decided to walk up and down Criffel every day for five days, but to make it a bit tougher, I decided to do it with a SUV tyre behind me, attached to a harness.
“Some of my pals and my daughter Jenni have have joined me over the week.
“I’ve actually really enjoyed it. The quickest time was yesterday when we did it in one hour 22 minutes up and back down.
“Although we did stop for a coffee break at the top.”
Richie is no stranger to fundraising and over the years has raked in cash for causes close to his heart including The Brain Tumour Charity.
And he’s hoping he gets the backing from locals this time around.
He said: “If anyone has a spare couple of quid to donate, it would be a massive help to this fabulous, and much needed community hub.”
Richie will be joined on his final trek today by his son Archie and Dan Armstrong from Queen of the South Community Trust.
Then he’ll be taking it easy over the weekend, saying: “I think a beer or two will be involved.”
To make a donation to the charity, visit https://store.qosfc.com/foodhub-donation
