STV NewsA motorcyclist is raising money for a medical transport charity by attempting to scale North Berwick Law 63 times in as many hours.
Joe Cairney is marking his 63rd birthday to raise money for Blood Bikes Scotland, the charity he has volunteered for since he retired four years ago.
The charity provides a free, 365-day-a-year courier service delivering urgent medical supplies for NHS Scotland.
Beginning at midnight on Friday, June 26, Joe will attempt to conquer the equivalent height of Everest – 8,850 metres – over a continuous weekend push. He aims to raise £1 for every metre climbed.
He told STV News: “I’m starting at midnight on the beach near the harbour, all the way to the summit, then 62 times from the car park to the summit again. Then we’ll have a party at the top at around 1pm on Sunday.
“That will be almost three days without sleep – I’m anticipating being quite tired. I might be the guy in the corner in a rumpled heap afterward.”
STV NewsJoe, who has been a passionate motorcyclist for over 50 years, has been training hard for the epic feat, scaling the Law daily to build endurance longside intense strength training in the gym.
For Joe, the challenge is a personal way to say thank you to the health service.
“It’s my passion. When I retired I wanted to do something back. We’ve all had loved ones rely on the health service at some point.”
“The NHS financially needs help and we’re able to give some help. We’re only able to do that through donations of the public that keep the charity running.
“We operate on the principle that every £1 saves the NHS £4.”
Blood Bikes Scotland covers five regions across the country – and their cargo ranges from blood donations, and medical equipment to unexpected home comforts.
“We’ll carry anything that will fit on a motorbike. Once, a little girl was admitted into hospital and couldn’t settle without her teddy bear. Giving her that teddy bear was probably the best medication ever.”
The charity also collaborates with other blood bike associations down south to transport time-sensitive samples free of charge.
“We recently took a sample from the Victoria in Fife down to Charing Cross in London. Today, we’re taking medication from Birmingham to Victoria Hospital – all done by volunteers.”
On his regular training treks up the Law, Joe has come across a number of people amazed by his plans.
“It’s amazing what he’s planning to do – 63 times in 63 hours is incredible. Good luck to him,” one walker said.
Another added: “Inspirational – if I could do it twice in 63 hours, I’d be in good shape!”
Supporters are invited to join the celebration at the summit of North Berwick Law on Sunday June 28 at 1pm.
Find out more on the Everest Challenge website.
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