William is going to the top for charity

Aug 14 2008 by Sandra Walls, Hamilton Advertiser

William is going to the top for charity

A STONEHOUSE man has accepted a gruelling challenge to climb Ben Nevis in aid of charity.

William Cowe (54), who lives with his wife Alison in Glenburn Avenue in the village, will attempt the climb of the highest mountain in the British Isles. He is aiming to raise money for the Airdrie-based charity St Andrew Hospice.

Ben Nevis is 4406ft high and has provided a challenge to mountaineers and hardy walkers for many years.

William was persuaded to take the challenge, which will take place on Saturday, September 13, after a colleague from his work, Jackie Walker from Larkhall, mentioned last year that she was climbing Ben Nevis for charity.

William, a support worker in Rosemount Court, Carluke, a sheltered housing complex for the elderly, accepted the test and has now been in training to get into tip top condition.

William said: “For climbers and mountaineers the main attraction lies in the 700 metre-high cliffs of the north face of Ben Nevis.

“They are among the highest cliffs in Britain and harbour some classic scrambles and rock climbs of all difficulties.

“I plan to do the challenge in five hours or less, depending on weather conditions, but I will certainly try and reach the summit.”

William has been cycling around Stonehouse, and taking brisk walks along the cillage’s back roads and rights of way.

He has also been climbing Tinto Hill and Coulter Fell for practice before he sets off for the Ben.

He added: “This challenge is something I have always wanted to do, and when Jackie said she was doing it, I immediately agreed to join in.

“I have already raised £1000 in pledges, but I am hoping to reach my £1500 target after the climb.

“We plan to present a cheque to a St Andrew’s Hospice representative once all the money has been collected.”

William’s wife Alison, although she is not climbing Ben Nevis, is doing her fair share by organising sponsorship and taking donations.

William added: “The first people to delve into their pockets were the residents and staff members that I work with at Rosemount Court who have been more than generous with their donations.

“The other people that I would like to thank are the golfers from Carnwath and Hollandbush golf clubs who have also been kind-hearted in giving to this good cause.

“I am very grateful to everyone for their support and will now be doing my best to reach the summit and raise as much cash as possible for the Lanarkshire hospice.”