A group of lads from New Cumnock have raised an incredible £2,000 for Crohn’s & Colitis UK after climbing Ben Nevis last weekend.

Earlier this month, we reported on how Lee Ferguson and his friends and family were set to scale Scotland’s highest mountain to raise awareness and funds for the charity after seeing close friend and family member, Lynn Ferguson, 39, battle with the condition for eight years.

Lynn was diagnosed with Crohn’s and Colitis in November 2013 and has described living with the condition as a “nightmare” which has impacted her mental and physical health.

As tribute, on Saturday, June 19, Lee, Fuzz, Conner Fleming, Joe Mackie, Billy Ferguson, Billy Bryden, Shaun Ferguson and Callum Graham took on the challenge, saying it was the “hardest thing any of us have ever done”.

Cumnock Chronicle:

Lee said: “The climb was absolutely solid, hardest thing any of us have ever done. I can hardly walk still. On the way back down I had to splinter my leg with a top and Shaun’s walking stick because I have eight screws and two long pins in my right leg from a motorbike accident years ago so it was a sore one but we made it.

“The next thing we are going for is a sky dive, no walking involved, but we are all terrified of heights.”

Lynn added: “I just want to thank everybody from the bottom of my heart for the overwhelming support and kindness from donations to buying raffle tickets and giving money on the gofundme page.

“Our local village sure does come together and the majority of businesses gave vouchers and prizes.

“I could not be prouder of my dad, Lee, Shaun, Billy, Conner, Callum and Joe. They done amazing.”