A group of close friends from Coatbridge friends recently took on the Loch Lomond endurance triathlon in aid of Scotland’s mental health charity (SAMH).
The event saw them cycle the gruelling 32 miles from Coatbridge to Balloch, followed by an 11 mile kayak to Ben Lomond, culminating in a climb along the ptarmigan route. The pals raised more than £8000 for the mental health charity in the process.
Participant Alex Coyle told Lanarkshire Live: “It was a great day and the weather was perfect.
“We started at 5.30am and picked up the bikes. The only issue we had was that one of the guys was hit by a deer and it took him off his bike, but thankfully he was alright.
“Then it was down to the kayaks fors four hours, heading up to Ben Lomond, where we did the ptarmigan path, which is the hardest route to Ben Lomond.”
And although it was a physically challenging day, the group's resolve never wavered as they were concentrating on raising as much money as possible for their chosen charity.
Alex went on: “It was very tough and we were all done in by the end of it. But at the end of the day we are doing this for mental health and that’s at the forefront of everyone’s minds.
“We are all friends and even though I got everyone together, everybody chipped in and organised transport and vans.
“We all motivated each other as a group. We did this challenge for all of our friends and family who are suffering with mental health issues or who have lost loved ones to suicide.”
And even though they were exhausted, the band of friends were delighted to raise £8297, thanks to family, friends and well-wishers and also their sponsors, who supplied specially designed T-shirts for them all.
“We would also really like to thank Rainbow International Glasgow West for all their help with sponsorship and our T-shirts," added Alex.
Joining Alex on the triathlon were Conel McKay, Lewis McKay, Peter McKay, Andy Gallogly, Ryan Quinn, Jonny Rea, Alan McLelland, Terry Hetherston, Michael Gallacher, Anthony Rea, Darren Park, Anthony Fagan, James Linnen, Robin Jack, James McKenna, Brian Taggart, Stephen McGowan, Willy Dunlop, Michael McGowan and Martin Stewart.
To donate, visit their page, www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thelochlomondchallenge
Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did yo u know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head over to our page to give us a like and share.
