A CUMNOCK girl has climbed to the highest peak of the UK to raise awareness of mental health in memory of her gran.

Abby Robinson, 22, scaled Ben Nevis on Friday, July 24 – the last of three peaks in as many days.

The sports and physical activity student set out on a challenge to climb Goatfell, Ben Lomond and Ben Nevis to raise cash for a mental health charity.

She was inspired by her gran Margaret Shields who battled with depression throughout her life before she died in December last year, aged 69.

Abby wanted to raise funds for the Scottish Association of Mental Health who can offer support for someone who is going through a difficult time.

She set out with her mum Carol, dad, Pat and aunt, Karen and started with The Merrick in Dumfries after swapping out Goatfell to avoid ferry travel.

Then Abby headed north to Ben Lomond which towers over the famous Loch Lomond before a trip to Fort William to tackle the 1,345m giant with the help of her dad and boyfriend Brent.

Abby told the Chronicle: “Ben Nevis was definitely the toughest, but it was the most enjoyable the views were amazing.”

Abby had been training hard with long walks to prepare herself for the gruelling challenge, and she believes her gran was with her all the way.

She said: “We had a wee Robin at The Merrick, my mum said there she’s there – if you see a Robin then it’s a loved one looking over you.”

Abby, who is a coach with Cumnock Juniors Girls FC, has been backed by the community who helped raise £600 for her online fundraiser, but she has also raised an additional £400 through her sponsor sheet.

She said: “I had some sore legs the next day, I would probably climb a mountain again, but I won’t be rushing out to do all three of them.

“I just want to thank everyone for all their donations.”