I'll Take the Fry Road!
- austen
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
The Challenge: 96 Miles for Macmillan Cancer Support with fish and chip stops to help
Hi everyone! From the 26th of May 2026, I will be taking on the legendary West Highland Way—a 96-mile (154km) trek from Milngavie to Fort William. I’m doing this to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, it’s a cause that means the world to me because our sister Sally died from cancer in 1998 approaching 30 years ago. Macmillon were so supportive to Sally and the whole family as we went through this ordeal. Sally was just 31 when she died.
In December 2027 I will be 60 years of age, and I wanted to do something for Sally ahead of the 30th anniversary of her death, celebrating her life and also starting the countdown to this milestone birthday. Joining me enroute will be one of my best friends since school Dan Massey.
Why this is a "Challenge" (and not just a walk)
While the scenery of the Scottish Highlands is world-class, the terrain is unforgiving. To finish this, I will be pushing my body to the limit for 7 days straight. Here is what we are up against:
• The Brutal Distance: Walking nearly 100 miles back-to-back means my feet and joints will be under constant pressure. Blisters, exhaustion, and muscle fatigue are guaranteed.
• The "Loch Lomond" Struggle: Don't let the beauty fool you. The northern section of the loch is a technical nightmare of exposed tree roots, slippery rocks, and constant "up and down" steps that drain your energy before the real mountains even begin.
• The Devil’s Staircase: This is the steepest climb of the route. After days of walking, I’ll have to haul myself over this high mountain pass, battling against the fierce Highland wind and rain.
• Rannoch Moor: A vast, exposed wilderness where there is nowhere to hide from the elements. If the weather turns, it becomes a test of pure mental grit to keep moving through the peat bogs and rain.
• The Scottish Weather & Midges: From relentless horizontal rain to the infamous Highland midges, Scotland’s environment is a challenge in itself. Staying dry and focused is a 24-hour job.
Every Mile Counts
I have been walking/training hard, but 96 miles is a long way to go. Your support is what will get me up that final hill into Fort William on June 1st.
Every donation—no matter how small—goes directly to Macmillan Cancer Support to help them to help more people with cancer get the best care the UK has to offer, whoever and wherever they are.
Plus, of course my adventures wouldn’t be complete without enjoying some fantastic fish and chips on the route! Halfway though the challenge we will be stopping off at the legendary The Real Food Café, for some award-winning fish and chips, plus at the end I will be travelling further north to visit the NFFF National Fish & Chip Awards Best Newcomers Monster Fish & Chips in Fort Augustos. It would be great to get some support from my fish and chip colleagues and friends.
I will look forward to your support & your cheers along the way, which will help me make every mile count!
Thanks for supporting my fundraising. The number of people diagnosed with cancer is growing, and every one of them needs the best support to meet their unique needs.
That's why Macmillan will do whatever it takes to help everyone living with cancer across the UK get the support they need right now and transform cancer care for everyone who will be diagnosed in the future.
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving, once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. Just click on the link below
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