A four-person team from Digby Brown’s Ayr office has raised £2,310 for Megan’s Space after completing a challenging climb of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain.
Lee Murray, Gareth McFarlane, Natalie Smith and David Sheridan tackled the 17km round trip to the summit. Their ascent covered 8km and included a picnic, encounters with midges and changing mountain conditions before they began the descent.
Ayr team takes on mountain challenge
Lee Murray, a partner at the firm’s Ayr office, said the group’s most memorable moment came when the clouds cleared around halfway up, revealing the mountain ridge and a waterfall opposite them.
“We had a fantastic day. The highlight of the climb was around the halfway point when the clouds suddenly cleared to reveal the mountain ridge and a waterfall across from us. “The walk was definitely a challenge but we got through it - all for a great cause.”
Solicitor Natalie Smith said the team was motivated by the work of Megan’s Space, which is the Ayr office’s local charity partner. The charity aims to prevent the loss of young lives to suicide, reduce self-harm and promote mental wellbeing among children and young people.
“Since Megan’s Space became our local charity partner, we have been privileged to see the life-changing impact the charity has on the mental wellbeing of young people. That is what pushed us to the top of the mountain. “It was a big challenge, but knowing we were raising money for such an important cause made every painful step worth it.”
Donation matched by law firm
The climb raised £1,155, which was matched by Digby Brown to create the final £2,310 donation. Murray said fundraising was particularly important while waiting lists for young people’s mental health services continue to grow.
“Raising funds for such an amazing charity helps push you on, especially at a time where waiting lists for mental health services for young people continue to grow. The services the charity provides are genuinely lifesaving.”