Father and son aim to tackle three peaks for charity

A father and son from Vidlin intend to climb the three highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales in the next two weeks to raise money for Disability Shetland.

Iain Robinson is a 59-year-old former seaman who works in Sullom Voe as a ship-loading officer. He will be accompanied by his son Ben who is 16 years old and attends Brae High School.

Mr Robinson decided to climb the three peaks in England, Wales and Scotland for “personal satisfaction and before I hit 60”, but mostly to raise money that Disability Shetland desperately needs to survive.

The money will be used to help pay for clubs and activities for disabled children and adults throughout Shetland. He has a personal interest in the charity as his daughter Yvonne volunteers at the Saturday Club and at a club in North Roe.

The three peaks they intend to climb are: Scafell Pike, Lake District, England – 977 metres (base camp at 70 metres), total climb of 907 metres (2,977 feet); Snowdon, Snowdonia National Park, Wales – 1,085 metres (base camp at 60 metres), total climb of 2,025 metres (3,364 feet); Ben Nevis, Fort William, Scotland – 1,343 metres (base camp at 50 metres), total climb of 1,293 metres (4,244 feet).

That will make a grand total of 3,225 metres (10,585 feet). Iain said he had been training for the challenge, but this was now in the form of rowing.

He said: “The jogging that I had been doing at the start of the year has given way to the rowing, with two practice evenings per week, at present, along with three regattas so far this season.”

He has also done three long distance events – the Round Trondra and Brae-to-Aith races, plus assisting Sandy and Sheila Peterson with their 100 miles challenge for Disability Shetland, when they rowed the final section to Lerwick from Nesting in less than ideal conditions.

Iain said the amount raised so far was £435, and he and Ben were aiming for £1,000. They are hoping people will support them by making a donation of £10, representing £1 for every 1,000 feet they have to climb – or give any other amount they choose.

Donations can be made on the justgiving web page and http://campaign.justgiving.com/charity/disability-shetland/Three-Peaks, and looking for Iain Robinson – Three Peaks Challenge.

Iain intends to send progress reports to Disability Shetland during the course of the challenge.