Six years after leaving school, the class of 2015 decided what better way to mark the occasion than by climbing Ben Nevis!!!

On the 14th of August 2021 23 of us have opted into the challenge of climbing Ben Nevis. As we have all grown up in Galashiels, we felt it was fitting to give back to our local community.

We have chosen two local causes that are very close to our hearts and with our donations we hope that we can make a big difference to them and the people that they support.

Our first cause is The Rowan Boland Memorial Trust. The Trust was established in May 2010 in memory of Rowan Boland, an enthusiastic and talented young sportsman from Galashiels. The main aim of the Trust is to support enthusiastic youngsters both individual athletes and youth level clubs who show potential, to compete at School, Club, Regional, National or International Level. They operate across the Scottish Borders providing financial assistance to help youngsters reach the next level in their sporting career. Kristin, Rowans sister will be participating in this climb so choosing this charity was very special to all of us.

Our second cause is a Galashiels based community project called CARE 2 CREATE set up in April 2018. They provide creative activities for people with physical disabilities and mental health issues. They provide a space where people can come and feel safe whilst also helping them to believe in themselves creatively. All resources are regenerated back into Care 2 Create so that they can grow. All materials used in the creative art projects are recycled donations received from the community allowing the individuals who attend to express themselves and gain confidence through art.

To mark the huge achievement of (hopefully!) reaching the top, each climber will carry a piece of a a jigsaw, which when put together will create something special to signify the huge challenge that we have all completed together as a team for causes close to our hearts.

Both of these causes rely hugely on funding and donations to be able to carry out the amazing work that they do. Any donations would mean so much to all of us as well as both of the causes and will go a long way to supporting the local community.

We look forward to sharing our challenge with you on our Social Media platforms.

-Class of 2015.