Edit: We have completed our challenge successfully!  We are still fund raising, though, and would greatly appreciate any contributions made both in person to either of us, or online here.  We have included a set of photos from our trip in the gallery to show a flavour of what it was like. 

Thanks for taking the time to visit our page!

Gabe and I are heading to Scotland to take part in the TGO Challenge 2017 on the 11th of May, an event where 300 backpackers set off from the west coast of Scotland, dip their boots in the sea, and head east - with only the equipment on their backs until they arrive at the east coast.

The TGOC is different to most long distance events in that there are no marshals, no fixed route and no support teams - you create whatever route you feel matches your skills and endurance to get to the east coast, and provided it is approved, you simply head off on your own. 

 Our route is 320km (199 miles) through the Scottish highlands, with a challenging 18 Munros and Munro Tops (a summit above 910m/3,000ft) including the 2nd highest mountain in Britain, Ben Macdui, which we will be carrying crampons and ice axes for. Overall, we will be ascending a total of 12,300m (40,000ft) along the way.

Why have we decided to fundraise?

We are both active Mountain Rescue members, and wanted to take part in a long distance event which will challenge our skills and endurance. Being able to fund raise for a cause we are passionate about is an additional incentive, and will help give us extra impetus to keep going through bad weather and fatigue along the way!

Why did we choose our charity?

Mountain Rescue volunteers are on call every day of the year, day or night - and the team needs to fund raise for equipment to facilitate being able to respond when called upon. 

 TWSMRT has been recently featured in the BBC's Reported Missing documentary, which shows the team, requested by Durham Police,  performing semi-urban searches for Katie, a missing 13 year old - as well as finding, treating and extracting Archie, a missing ex-serviceman with dementia who was missing for 3 days. These are the sort of outcomes which make all the training worth it. Additionally, we know for a fact everything given goes back in to the team, with 100% put towards equipment and training so the team can better do the job. 

How will the money you give help the team?

Any donation would be fantastic, with £10 the team is able to purchase a SAM splint to help aid with fractures and breaks, with £20 the team is able to replace worn and damaged crag rescue equipment to keep us effective, and £50 will allow for purchase of a new stethoscope for our advanced medics to use when treating casualties.  Anything you give will be put to good use.

Edit: We want to make supporting us as easy as possible, so if you want to donate you can now do so by text! Simply text 'TGOC99 £5' to 70070 - it really is that easy and quick, and you can donate any amount you wish.

We will be live-tweeting our progress on @livetheoutdoor - where we will be tweeting pictures and links to let you track us on a live map.  Please follow us and support us on our challenge!

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. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.