Badenoch charity walker conquers Lairig Ghru alone but for 50 kg backpack
A self-confessed ‘big numpty with a backpack’ trudged through the Lairig Ghru at the weekend to raise thousands of pounts for a series of worthwhile local charities
Lone walker Calum Binnie hiked from Braemar to Aviemore and if that was not tough enough he did so with a 50 kilogramme pack on his back.
Calum Binnie’s electrical background - he plays a key role in the family business based in Newtonmore - proved something of a vital spark on Saturday.
He had to battle with the conditions and the rough terrain to raise funds for Mikeysline, Cardiac Risk in the Young, Brain Tumour Research and the Macmillan Cancer campaign.
With Calum shy of the headlines, the Strathy tracked his sister Lindi down and she told us: “He’s not shy of a challenge and has done numerous adventures before, such as completing five tough mudders back-to-back.
“And his last adventure was the West Highland Way in 48 hours - and that time he carried a weighted backpack all the way up Ben Nevis!”
Lindi confessed: “As his sister I am immensely proud of him and the support of his friends and family to raise funds has been phenomenal.”
On his own social media page Calum joined in with the thanks.
He said: “I can’t thank everyone enough for all the support. Well wishes, shares, extremely generous donations and cheers and messages along the way.
“It was a tough old gig and I couldn't of done it without the support of friends and family.”
The amazing feat ended up being just under 29.7 miles in just over 16 hours.
The total amount raised is over £3700 and rising.
Calum explained: “I always maintain that raising awareness is just as important as raising money for these charities and what they represent.
“Taking on challenges like this is an outlet for me to help keep my mental and physical health in check.
“I always struggle for motivation, so being responsible for a fundraiser is a good kick up the backside to get training and out in our beautiful countryside.
“Mentally, I have always had struggles. The start of this year especially.
“And doing, let's be honest. Daft things like this and carrying weights up mountains at midnight, where you are required to go to a dark place and use all the rubbish floating around your head to make it to the end has always been the best remedy for me.
“Apparently meditation is good too…I might just try that! At the end of the day, though, I'm just a big numpty with a backpack. It is the charities and the people who run them who are the heroes.”
Donations can still be made here
