*this charity event has been rearranged from 14 July to 25 December, 2025 due to Bear the Labrador receiving treatment for his foot*

I hope you have been lucky enough to have driven over the Bealach na Bà which winds through the mountains of the Applecross peninsula in the Scottish Highlands.

It is the third highest mountain pass in Scotland and boasts the greatest ascent of any road climb in the UK.

It rises from sea level at Applecross to 2,070 ft in about 3.7 miles – and features some very tight hairpin bends that switch back and forth up the hillside with gradients nudging 20%.

One of those hairpin bends holds a very special memory of my husband, Stephen. I plan to scatter his ashes there one day. Not quite yet.

It was July 2015, and we had rented out a cottage at nearby Kishorn to celebrate his 50th birthday. In my infinite wisdom, I decided to run over the Bealach after spotting two cyclists on the route.

I awoke early one morning and stuck on my running gear … terrified and excited in equal measure at the prospect of spectacular failure or triumph. My husband jumped in the car to follow behind and pick me up at the other side … as always.

It was the single most amazing running experience of my life. The ascent tested strategy, technique and commitment while the smooth road surface gave a clear run without having to scrabble over the inevitable rocks and boulders of a typical mountain.

And when I hit that final switchback on the summit approach … I suddenly remembered it was our wedding anniversary! I did an immediate about-turn, ran down to the passing place where Stephen had parked … lots of laughter and begged forgiveness with a great big kiss.

I remember beaming and waving back to him as I made my way back up the switchback.

And that lovely, happy memory is forever imprinted on the Bealach switchback.

I went on to smash the 13.1 miles down and onto Applecross retained fire station. Stephen turned 50 the next day, on 14 July. It was the most amazing holiday.

The last time we journeyed together over the Bealach was July 2022. Stephen had been diagnosed with terminal cancer and it was starting to take a toll, but he was determined to make the drive.

He was the one who displayed the most remarkable fortitude on that mountain pass. It turns out.

Fortitude and resilience.

Stephen died aged just 57.

He was my whole world - a bear of a man at 6’4” tall, an uncompromising journalist, fearless, far too intelligent with a forensic brain, loyal to the core … and supremely funny.

He was also very generous of heart.

I have carried out several fundraisers for Maggie’s, RSPB and RNLI to mark his memory and protect me from the grief.

But this year I want to instead celebrate his life on his 60th birthday (Monday, 14 July 2025) with a nod back to the Highlands and conservation efforts to protect the Scottish Wildcat.

Stephen was pretty taken with the ‘Highland Tiger’ – a fearsome wee kitty that skulks about, camouflaged, hunting animals as big as hare. It is an icon of the Scottish Wilderness but its’ population has declined due to habitat loss and persecution … and it is now listed as Critically Endangered.

Your donation would be most appreciated to celebrate Stephen and his love of Scottish wildlife.

And please do stop for a moment on that final switchback if you ever do hit the Bealach … for the view is quite simply stunning and we are all so very blessed. Regardless.