Charity Race Across Scotland Complete

On Friday evening, 22nd June, at 5pm, three proud Scotsmen stood at the famous landmark in John O’Groats with the biggest smiles in the country as they had just completed the challenge of a lifetime.

The challenge, which the trio created, is known as Epic 2012 and is designed to test the physical and mental endurance of any man or woman.

Epic 2012 saw Greg McEwan (31), Garry MacKay (36) and Lee Peyton (35), use three Olympic disciplines over six days to cover a journey from Gallie Craig Lighthouse to John O’Groats in order to raise funds for Yorkhill Children’s Foundation.

All three men set off on the 427 mile trek on Sunday 17th June starting with a 125 mile cycle from Gallie Craig Lighthouse to Milngavie Train Station, stopping off at Yorkhill Children’s Hospital on the way, in order to see some of the children who will benefit from the £60,000 they hope to raise. The rest of the journey included RUNNING the 96miles of the West Highland Way, CLIMBING Ben Nevis and KAYAKING the Great Glen before finishing off with another 125mile CYCLE from Inverness to John O’Groats.

The guys finished the challenge in FIVE DAYS AND 12HOURS – truly inspirational to many people across the country and there were messages of support flooding in every day.

“Epic was always going to be tough but I didn’t realise just how tough. Each day was a challenge within itself and when I think back and the fact that we covered the West Highland Way and climbed Nevis in 48hours is just crazy. I wouldn’t swap it for the world though, it’s something that will live with me forever. I couldn’t have done it without the messages of support we were getting through daily or the work from our immense support team. Thanks go out to all those who have helped along the way.” Said Greg.
The money raised will go to Yorkhill Children’s Foundation to help the orthopaedic surgery service in Yorkhill Hospital. The orthopaedic department deals with a huge variety of cases, from limb lengthening and straightening, reconstructive surgery for congenital disabilities, cerebral palsy related conditions and trauma. With thanks to EPIC 2012 Yorkhill Children’s Foundation would like to fund two sets of Jet-X Fixators which will be used to treat around 10 trauma cases every year.

The kit pins broken bones in place following a trauma such as a bad fall or a road traffic accident, and allows them to knit together and heal. It can be used on any limb but also on the pelvis. Trauma to the pelvis can often be potentially life-threatening due to the huge numbers of blood vessels involved and the Jet-X Fixator system can hold a shattered pelvis in place and protect these vital blood supplies. The department currently has an older system in use but this is not suitable for their complex requirements and doesn’t work on pelvises. They have a short-term loan of a Jet-X Fixator kit so they know how useful it can be.

David Welch, Yorkhill Children’s Foundation’s Head of Fundraising, Marketing & Communications said “Our supporters often come up with all sorts of interesting ways to help raise vital funds for Yorkhill Hospital and related facilities but this has to be one of the most challenging yet. Every penny the boys raise will go a long way towards helping sick children from all over Scotland who are treated at the orthopaedic department at Yorkhill Hospital. We are extremely grateful to Greg, Garry and Lee for taking on such a massive challenge and wish them all the best in reaching their fundraising target.”

The donations site – www.justgiving.com/epic2012 is still active so please give what you can towards what is a truly remarkable event and a fantastic cause.

FILED UNDER: Press Releases TAGS: 2012 / Epic / Race / Scotland