GRUELLING 276 MILE TREK FOR LIPPEN CARE
A Forfar outdoor enthusiast is putting his best foot forward later this month for a gruelling 276 mile trek along the Pennine Way to raise funds for Lippen Care.
A "very young" Jim Nicol, who admitted to being 72, agreed to the challenge after a re-union with a former RAF pal three years ago.
Jim shook hands and said goodbye to Alan Middlemas of Gloucester in Cyprus in 1962 and didn't say "hello" again until three years ago when they met up through Forces Re-United.
Both are keen hillwalkers, with Jim being a former member of the RAF and Tayside Mountain Rescue teams and former president of Forfar and District Hillwalking Club.
He has climbed extensively throughout Scotland, in the Alps and South Africa.
However, the Pennine Way will be his longest, continuous walk.
Starting from Edale in the Peak District in Derbyshire on Tuesday, July 27, Jim and Alan will cover the 276 miles in 17 days, with their ultimate destination being Kirk Yetholm in the Borders.
Their route takes them up through Yorkshire and through Cumbria, following part of Hadrian's Wall.
Jim said: "From start to finish the ascent is some 40,000 feet - but not all at one time.
"When Alan and I first met up three years ago he said he had always wanted to do the West Highland Way. I said one of the things I had never wanted to do was the West Highland Way! I had climbed all around it but had never walked it!
"However, we did the walk in 2008 and then Alan said he had always wanted to do the Pennine Way.
"We have planned this for a year. We will be carrying about 30 lbs on our backs and will be staying in hostels and B & Bs along the way.
"The longest we will walk in one day will be 25 miles which takes in high ground."
Alan's efforts will raise funds for the British Heart Foundation, with Jim choosing Forfar-based Lippen Care.
Sponsor forms
As well as getting in some last minute training walks in the Angus glens, Jim is busy distributing sponsor forms.
These are available now at the reception area at the Whitehills Health and Community Care Centre, at the East and Old Parish Church, from Andy Renwick at The Outdoor Store and from David Irons & Sons.
Alternatively, pledges can be made via e-mail to yerneiper@googlemail.com
A keen photographer, Jim is well-known for his fascinating slide shows which he gives to various groups.
He intends to keep a photographic account of his latest venture and, on his return, will give a slide show of the Pennine Way, again to raise funds for Lippen Care.
He added: "I have chosen Lippen Care as the local charity to raise funds for as I feel all the money raised goes where it is needed."
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Weather for Kirriemuir
Wednesday 08 February 2012
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