Story
<p>On 26th May we will attempt to scale five of Britain's tallest mountains in one single day to raise funds for Steve Donnelly, my brother Doug's father-in-law, who was left paralysed after a cycling accident.</p>
<p>The challenge is to scale the five Cairngorm "mighty Munro mountains" in just 15 hours of daylight. The route is almost a marathon in length and the equivalent of scaling six Empire State Buildings.</p>
<p>Typically, this route is typically spread over two days but we wanted to push ourselves for a very worthwhile cause.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.thecourier.co.uk/News/article/2134/dundee-wheelers-steven-donnelly-airlifted-after-cycling-accident.html">In June 2010, Steve Donnelly suffered a severed spinal cord when he fell from his bike whilst riding with the Dundee Wheelers Cycle Club</a>. The injury left him paralysed from the neck down, a life changing event which is difficult for most to comprehend.</p>
<p>Steve spent over a year in Glasgow Southern General Hospital but has since returned home to Dundee where he and those around him are faced with the practical task of readjusting to everyday life.</p>
<p>With the backing of <a href="http://www.sisonline.org/">Spinal Injuries Scotland</a>, we're taking on this Cairngorm Challenge to raise funds for Steve to continue intensive physio at the <a href="http://www.healphysiotherapy.co.uk/">HEAL - Physiotherapy & Sport Medicene Centre</a>.</p>
<p>Through physiotherapy, a tiny amount of movement has returned to Steve's arms. Further physio will maintain this progress and allow him to operate his electric wheelchair and the adapted controls around the house. Small, everyday stuff which most of us take for granted but are now so precious for Steve.</p>
<p><em><strong>QUESTIONS?</strong></em></p>
<p><em><strong>How can I donate?</strong></em></p>
<p>Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity (Scottish Spinal Injuries) and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - we raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.</p>
<p><em><strong>What's involved in the challenge?</strong></em></p>
<p>Scaling five Cairngorm 4,000 ft Munro mountain summits in one day, Saturday 26th May 2012:</p>
<p>- <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cairn_Gorm">Cairn gorm</a></p>
<p>- <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Macdui">Ben Macdui</a></p>
<p>- <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cairn_Toul">Cairn Toul</a></p>
<p>- <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sg&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;ograve;r_an_Lochain_Uaine">Sgor an Lochain Uaine</a></p>
<p>- <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Braeriach">Braeriach</a></p>
<p><em><strong>What is the total distance and ascent?</strong></em></p>
<p>The total distance covered will be 35.34km (22 miles). The total height ascended will be 2,327m.</p>
<p><em><strong>What is the exact nature of Steve's injury?</strong></em></p>
<p>Steve has an incomplete C4/C5 injury. <a href="http://www.sci-info-pages.com/levels.html">C4/C5</a> is right at the bottom of the neck so there is very little activity below this point.</p>
<p><em><strong>What does the fundraising target achieve?</strong></em></p>
<p>It will allow Steve to undertake a further 10 hours of intensive physiotherapy at HEAL. This physio will help him maintain the small amount of movement which has returned to his arms and make everyday life more comfortable.</p>
<p><em><strong>THANKS?</strong></em></p>
<p>We'd like to say thanks to:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sisonline.org/">Spinal Injuries Scotland</a> for their support.</p>
<p>Dan Thompson from <a href="http://www.eqiupuk.com">Equip Outdoor Technologies</a> for the supply of clothing.</p>
<p>Shelagh from <a href="http://www.theoldministershouse.co.uk/">The Old Minister's House</a> in Aviemore for providing free accommodation before the challenge.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.hilton.co.uk/coylumbridge">Hilton Coylumbridge</a> for providing discounted accommodation after the challenge.</p>
<p>Finally, we'd like to say a massive thanks to you for visiting the page. </p>