A group of people from Tayside with acute brain injuries are challenging themselves, and perceptions of the condition, by walking to Mount Everest base camp.
Among them is Evelyn Menzies, whose son Niall was seriously injured in a car crash 27 years ago.
Evelyn, who found support through the charity Headway, told STV News: “All the people you’ll see here today have a traumatic brain injury.
“They’ve all been told they’ll never walk, talk or do anything again, and this is just to show their determination and what it can do.”
The group have spent the last 18 months preparing physically for the 80-mile challenge by training on various hills across Scotland.
Among those taking part is Peter Kydd, who was left injured following surgery. He said: “I’ve only got 10% memory left, but compared to a lot of other people – who have all sorts of injuries – luckily my legs work.”
Military veteran Mick Gowans is used to physical challenges, but the trek to Everest is a personal mountain he’s determined to climb.
He said: “Personally it’s a massive challenge for me – and gives a bit of community and purpose back – because I was kind of lost for a while, so this has given me major drive to get back to the old Mick or maybe part of it anyway.”
Colin Robertson hadn’t considered Everest as a bucket list goal until his recovery from a brain injury. He said: “That just came about because I had to learn to walk again so I had a walking frame – my zimmer – and then crutches for a few years.”
Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world, standing at nearly 30,000 feet high.
While the group aren’t travelling to the top of the mountain, base camp is still more than 5,000 metres above sea level.
James Lamb has made the journey to the site several times with his charity, the Little Sherpa Foundation.
He said: “Walking and going uphill and downhill every single day for 16 days…mentally it’s not just physical it’s the mental challenge.
“Physically I know the group are in great shape. I’ve never really had to crack the whip and say come on lets get going – they’re fantastic at that.
“Mentally it’s really difficult particularly if you’ve got severe brain injury.”
The group leave Scotland on November 4, where they will have just 16 days to complete the journey to base camp.
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