Press Release
Do summit different - Conquer a Corbett
Volunteers needed to climb 219 mountains for people affected by cancer
Adventurous people in the East of Scotland are being challenged to climb
more than 200 mountains to raise cash for people affected by cancer.
Macmillan Cancer Support want people around the country to sign up to take
part in its Conquer a Corbett challenge, which raised over £40,000 for the
charity in 2007.
There are 219 Corbetts in Scotland and last year Scots climbed 129 of them.
But this year the charity want to have someone climb every single one of
the peaks - the name of all Scotland's hills and mountains between 2500ft
and 2999ft high.
Macmillan Cancer Support fundraising manager for the east of Scotland,
Shirley Millar, said: "Conquer the Corbetts is a fantastic event that
proved very popular last year with seasoned climbers and beginners alike.
Everyone who took part really enjoyed the experience and said they were
looking forward to taking on the Corbett challenge for Macmillan in 2008.
"We were delighted with how much we raised last year from the challenge,
however we'd like to raise even more this year. I'd urge everyone who is
moderately fit to take part in this event. As well as raising money to help
Macmillan improve the lives of people affected by cancer, you'll have lots
of fun, get some fresh air and enjoy some of the most amazing views in the
world. "
One walker who will be taking part is Maurice Hickey. The 48-year-old
conquered Quinag in the Highlands last year in memory of his father, also
called Maurice, who died of bowel cancer in January 2006. The 75-year-old
was a keen supporter of Macmillan, and this inspired the younger Maurice to
take part in Macmillan's event. And the dad-of-two enjoyed the challenge so
much that he decided to sign up to take part again this year.
Maurice who has also climbed in the Himalayas and the Alps, said: "I
decided to conquer a Corbett last year for a number of reasons. Obviously
since my dad died from cancer, I really appreciate the work Macmillan do.
My dad was also a supporter of Macmillan for a long time, and I've come
into contact with some fantastic Macmillan nurses.
"When I did the event last year I really enjoyed the climb, and I think
there's no better place in the world to remember someone than on the top of
a mountain or hill. This year I will climb to the top and toast my dad, and
I'm hoping to have a group of people with me.
"I'd urge everyone to consider taking part in Conquer the Corbetts because
as well as raising money for Macmillan they'll also have a really great
time. I find that climbing makes me feel very alive, and the views from the
top are always amazing. The scenery that you can see from Scotland's
mountains rival the scenery anywhere in the world."
Conquer a Corbett runs throughout May. Anyone with a moderate level of
fitness can take part, as along with some very challenging mountains
suitable for seasoned mountain-climbers, there are easier hills that are
suitable for those who have never climbed before.
All those who take part can choose which Corbett to climb, and choose when
to do it ? as long as it's in May. Participants can climb more than one
Corbett, and challenges can be completed in teams. In fact Macmillan
recommends that inexperienced climbers don't take on the challenge alone.
To find out more about Conquer the Corbetts, or to register, visit
www.macmillan-corbetts.co.uk, email [email protected], or
call 01382 226 150.
For more information contact Michelle Gallacher on 0131 260 3720.
· Corbetts background info
All hills and mountains in Scotland between 2500ft and 2999ft high are
known as Corbetts. They are named after John Rooke Corbett who complied a
list of the peaks in the 1920s. Coming just short of the 3000ft Munros,
the Corbetts have been over-looked by walkers and climbers. However in
recent years there has been a surge of interest in the smaller hills among
climbers who feel the Munros are over-climbed and over-rated.
Scattered throughout Scotland, the Corbetts offer a fantastic variety of
walking and climbing experiences. There are hundreds of Corbetts to choose
from, and although each one is set in equally beautiful scenery, the
experience of climbing each of the 219 Corbetts varies wildly.
Some Corbetts are difficult to get to and may require as much as a full day
trek to reach. Corbetts can also be more difficult to climb than Munros
because there is less of an obvious path, due to the lesser number of
walkers who have made the climb. However other Corbetts offer a much more
gentle and easy climb that can be completed in only a few hours, making
them conquerable by anyone with a moderate level of fitness.
· About Macmillan Cancer Support
Macmillan Cancer Support improves the lives of people affected by cancer,
providing practical, emotional, medical and financial support. One in
three or us will get cancer. 1.2 million of us are living with it. We are
all affected by cancer, and we can all help
Michelle Gallacher
Macmillan Cancer Support
Communications officer for Scotland and Northern Ireland
0131 260 3720
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