An online support service is launching a challenge to celebrate their third birthday by encouraging fundraisers to climb one of the highest mountains in Scotland.

Release Ayrshire, an online platform set up to provide confidential support and advice to men who are in crisis or simply need to talk, are heading up the Three Peaks in Three Weeks challenge set to take place this summer.

The premise is that participants of all ages complete Goat Fell, Ben Lomond and Ben Nevis in a timeframe of their choosing. All Release ask is that the distances are covered and funds are raised, all of which will be going towards future awareness campaigns and other vital resources.

And founder Robbie Muir, from Auchinleck, has decided to take the challenge to the next level. Alongside pals Scott McIntyre and Adam Gibson, the trio are aiming to complete the Three Peaks Challenge in just three days – taking a motorhome round Scotland to help them on their way.

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Robbie said: “It has been offered to the general public so any age and anybody that wants to take part. There’s going to be a virtual version, too, where you just need to walk the distance but won’t have the incline. People can walk it and track it on Strava or any other fitness app. We’re doing incentives, too, like if they raise £50 we’ll send out a sports bottle, if they raise £100 they get a medal and certificate.

“We’re even shouting out to local businesses who maybe want to get a team together and do it as a team building day. Although it’s for our third birthday, there are three benefits to it, so mental health, awareness for Release and funds for it, too. It’s looking good and the feedback and amount of people we’ve had sign up already has been brilliant.”

He continued: “Since I’m the founder of Release, myself and two friends decided to push it further so we’re going to do it in one weekend. We’ve been sponsored by a local motorhome company, River View Motorhomes, who are donating a motorhome to us so we can sleep there.

“We’ve only ever done the Cairn Table in Muirkirk so we need to up our game and get some exercise sorted before it.”

For more info, visit Release Ayrshire on Facebook. To donate, click here.

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