Two West Lothian high school students have raised over £600 for a Spina Bifida charity after one of the girls became motivated by their auntie who lives with the condition.
Eve Robertson, 17, whose auntie has spina bifida, along with her best friend Murren Binnie, 17, took part in an alternative Ben Nevis Trek Challenge.
The students walked up and down the Dean Community High School steps 1,000 times to symbolise the 1,345 metres it takes to reach Ben Nevis’s peak…twice.
The young friends completed the task in order to support specialist disability charity Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus (SBH) Scotland.
On the challenge, Eve said, “Murren and I really wanted to raise money for a worthwhile cause and because of my auntie we were aware of the great work that SBH Scotland do.
"Murren and I both love walking so this seemed like a great challenge for us. We’re so grateful to our school, friends and family for all of their support on the day and during the planning stages.”
She added: “The 500 laps of the school stairs took us less time than expected so we actually decided to double the challenge to 1000 laps – I guess you could say we walked up Ben Nevis twice!”
In finishing the task, the school friends raised £629 for their chosen charity.
SBH is close to their hearts with Eve’s auntie Shona living with the condition.
Their headteacher, Mrs Alison, said: "Everyone at the school is extremely proud of Eve and Murren, not only for raising money but also for raising awareness of the conditions they’re supporting.”
SBH Scotland was formed in 1965 by a group of parents who each had a child with spina bifida and hydrocephalus.
Over 55 years later, the charity now supports over 4,000 children, young people, adults, their family members and carers across Scotland with a personalised service of support workers, groups, health check clinics, a respite cottage, play sessions, workshops and helpline.
Fundraising director at SBH Scotland, Deborah Roe, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Eve and Murren for their active support. We’d like to thank them and all those who kindly donated.
"Donations continue to mean more than they ever have as we support families through uncertain times. Each pound donated assists us in being there for anyone affected by these lifelong, complex disabilities at a time when they need us the most.”
Those looking to fundraise for SBH are encouraged to contact the fundraising manager, Lynsey Hamilton, on 03455 211 600 or via email at: fundraising@sbhscotland.org.uk
