After days of trekking through some of Scotland’s toughest terrain, the RAEBUILD team has successfully completed their 96-mile West Highland Way charity walk- crossing the finish line in Fort William just before the worst of Storm Amy arrived.
The challenge, which began as a test of endurance and camaraderie, was undertaken in support of the Matt Gallagher Foundation, a charity close to the team’s hearts for very personal reasons, which provides vital funding and practical assistance for families living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
Recently, the team’s good friend and golf buddy Steve was diagnosed with Progressive Bulbar Palsy (PBP), a rare and aggressive form of MND. Affecting movement, balance, breathing, speech, and swallowing, the condition has had a profound impact. Steve’s diagnosis deeply affected the team, inspiring them to take on the walk to show their support and raise funds for those living with MND.
The team – Paul Edwards, Peter Hughes, Mark Wheatley and Jon Brookes – set out from Milngavie, near Glasgow, taking on the entire West Highland Way route to Fort William. Across rugged hills, lochs, and moorlands, they battled steep climbs, and rapidly changing weather conditions. In the final days, as forecasts warned of an approaching storm, the team pushed through long hours to ensure they finished before Storm Amy hit. Their determination paid off, crossing the finish line just before torrential rain and high winds swept across the Highlands.
Reflecting on the experience, Paul Edwards, Director of RAEBUILD, said:
“It was a journey of highs and lows, physically and emotionally. Reaching Fort William just before the storm truly felt like fate. The pain, the tiredness, the long days- every step was worth it when we thought about Steve, and about the incredible work the Matt Gallagher Foundation does for families affected by MND. I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved together.”
So far, the team’s efforts have raised an amazing £7,405 excluding Gift Aid, with donations still open. Every penny goes directly to The Matt Gallagher Foundation, helping them continue their vital work supporting families and communities impacted by MND.
If you’d like to support the cause, you can still donate via the team’s GoFundMe page:
👉 https://www.gofundme.com/f/raise-funds-for-the-matt-gallagher-foundation
