OUR STORY, FROM THE CAPTAIN AND SKIPPER, KEITH

The Seed - It would be a mistake to think we were looking for a challenge, I think it's fair to say that challenges generally pass us by whilst we sit with our feet up sipping wine!

But a spark of interest from a work colleague who took part last year, far too much red wine and some male machismo led to a team being formed to take part in the "Scottish Islands Peaks Race" almost exactly a year ago.

The Challenge - Starting in Oban on Friday 18th May 12, is to run 60 miles up and down 11,500 feet of mountains, sail through 160 nautical miles of the most treacherous waters around the UK, including the Gulf Of Corryvreckan and the Mull Of Kintyre, hopefully finishing in Troon on Sunday 20th May 12.

For clarity, Search & Rescue, RNLI, Mountain Rescue and Marine Coastguard Agency can all be contacted on 999!!

The Team - Consists of three sailors and two runners, the sailors job is to get the runners to the mountains on Isle of Mull (Ben More), Jura (PAPs - all 3) and Arran (Goat Fell) as quickly as we can. The runners will join over 100 others running up and down some proper mountains, very probably in the dark!

Who Are We -

Keith Yarham (47) - Team SPIE Captain & Yacht skipper - experienced sailor with a good racing pedigree

Richard Hamilton (50) - 1st Mate & Navigator - has adopted role of team nutritionist (Pot Noodles all round)

Pete Matthew (42) - Crew - the muscle and the looks (Watch out female crews)

Ian Kennedy (46) - Runner - highly trained, honed, muscle bound competitor - never sailed before! Sadly had to withdraw due to injury but still very much part of the team!

Jo Scott (41) - "Rescue" Replacement Runner - "Own teeth and hair, enjoys wearing lycra". A keen hill-runner and clearly quite mad!

Colin MacLennan (53) - Runner - The granddad of the team, but don't count against him achieving better than last place!

Sponsors - SPIE UK, Multi Technical Services contractor have very generously agreed to act as our main sponsor, covering the costs and allowing the crew to concentrate on the challenge ahead.

Our Charity - Our selection of which charity to support was easy, not only are we all great supporters of the RNLI (visit www.rnli.org.uk) and the great work they do, we may well get the opportunity to present them with our cheque somewhere off the Mull of Kintyre whilst accepting their assistance.

Don't forget, not only can you donate simply and safely by clicking on the link on the page, but you can even make a donation by one easy text:

Text - SPIE81 [and then the amount you want to donate £???] to 70070

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 We hope you will support us because as our total increases, the option of pulling out reduces!


Thanks

Team SPIE UK

 

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