AN epic 4,000ft challenge is planned for May to raise funds for the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow (formerly Yorkhill) Schiehallion Ward and TCT (Teenage Cancer Trust) Unit within the ward.

Kenny Mackay, of Maybole, and six friends have decided to do a charity mountain walk to raise the money over the weekend of Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26. It’s not just one mountain, though, it’s all nine mountains over 4,000 feet in Scotland – and in 48 hours!

Kenny, who has been hillwalking and climbing for over 30 years and served with Galloway Mountain Rescue for nearly 20 years and has a very personal reason for wanting to raise funds for the charity.

He told us that the past 2½ years have been difficult for his family.

“In June 2016,” he added, “our daughter Eilidh, who was 14 years old at the time was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Our world as we knew it was turned upside down overnight. Her intensive chemotherapy treatment started and very quickly it was clear that it wasn’t all going to be plain sailing for her.

“Eilidh took a severe reaction to the treatment and became dreadfully unwell, resulting in her being admitted to paediatric intensive care (PICU) for 93 days. Nothing could have prepared us for the pain and anguish that we would witness over the coming months.”

He continued: “Thankfully, we were in a position whereby my wife Lisa was able to stay at the hospital full time with Eilidh. I took time off work, and a room at Marion’s House (CLIC Sargent) just across from the hospital was organised for us.

“We spent around 18-20 hours every day at Eilidh’s bedside in PICU. It was very much touch and go for a very long time. The only word I can use to describe this time is ‘horrific’. It was like walking a tightrope, not knowing what side you were going to fall off..

“After her time in PICU Eilidh was transferred back to Schiehallion ward just in time for her 15th birthday. In total, Eilidh spent 338 days in hospital before getting home and then a further six months after complications. She now attends as an outpatient.

“Currently, Eilidh is wheelchair-reliant as the chemotherapy and intensive care has damaged the nerves in her legs and feet. Slowly but surely she is learning to walk again. She is in her final year at school preparing to sit her exams and trying to lead as normal a life as possible.

“It’s just great having her at home where she belongs.

Her treatment finishes on July 4 and she is already planning the celebrations.”

Kenny then quipped, “Hopefully, my legs will be working again by then after doing this challenge!”

His companions on the challenge will be Anton Smith, Mick Robb, Brian Boyd (Bydy), Stephen Henderson (Hendi), Hugh Kean (Shug) and Owen Ross.

He explained:“We are doing this to give a little something back for the fabulous care that Eilidh received and is still receiving.

We are looking to complete all nine mountains in 48 hours.

“Please get behind us with this challenge, as this disease has no morals and does not discriminate in who it affects. I am sure everyone will agree that this is worth a few days of pain. Which is a drop in the ocean to the pain that Eilidh has endured.”

In addition, Kenny told us more about the good causes the funds will go to.

“Every week, two more children in Scotland will be diagnosed with cancer. More than two thirds of these children will be treated in Schiehallion ward at the children’s hospital.

“The ward was named after Schiehallion - the mountain - to mirror the journey for children with cancer. The name recognises that battling this devastating condition is an uphill struggle, but also that you can walk up a path with lots of people who will help get you to the top.”

On May 25, they will- start and finish at Cairngorm Ski Centre and climb Cairn Gorm (4,081ft), Ben Macdui (4,295ft), Cairn Toul (4,236ft), Sgor an Lochain Uaine (4,127ft) and Braeriach (4,252ft).

The following day they start from Water of Nevis car park and finish at Nevis Youth Hostel having climbed Aonach Beag (4,049ft), Aonach Mòr (4,006ft), Càrn Mòr Dearg (4,003ft) and the tallest of them all Ben Nevis (4,413ft).

To donate see www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mountainmadness4000ftchallenge