95mile Scottish trek in memory of his late wife

Long-distance solo walker John Campbell of Ballybogey Road trekked for six days from Milngavie to Fort William before ending his journey tackling Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis.

A former Department of Agriculture Inspector in Ballycastle, John began walking after he retired six years ago.

"As part of my job, I frequently went up into the County Antrim Hills and so when I retired I decided it would be a good hobby to take up, it would keep me active as well as getting me out to see some beautiful places.

"My first big trek was in 2007 when I completed a 190mile Coast to Coast trail in the North of England. It took me two weeks and was a major challenge for me.

"Then a year and a half ago my wife Isabel died of bowel cancer - we were married for nearly 40-years. Isabel was a Poultry Adviser of North Antrim Turkey's and her death came as a massive shock as well as leaving a huge whole in my life.

"In her memory, I decided to use my feet again to raise money for Cancer Research UK."

After very little training, 66-year-old John donned his walking boots and took to the Scottish Highlands last August.

"I always kept meaning to do some training but I never actually got round to it. It was very wet summer and I had a few soggy days.

"Altogether I walked 95miles, trekking for six days from Milngavie to Fort William before hiking Ben Nevis on the seventh day. It was my first time tackling Ben Nevis and I was really looking forward to it. But unfortunately the cloud was very low that day and I had no view from the top - although I was still delighted to be there.

"Each night I stayed in a bed and breakfast, if I'd have been a little younger I may have camped out but at 66-years of age a little bit of luxury is a must to recharge the batteries for another tough day ahead.

"People always ask 'were you not lonely up in the hills' my answer is 'never' - you always have the wildlife around you and there are many other walkers about, especially at weekends, who you can chat and have a laugh with. And then there's always my memories!"

Thanks to John's determination and commitment as well as the support of friends and family, a staggering 3,500 was raised for Cancer Research UK.

"Last week it gave me great pleasure to hand over the cheque to Sarah Boulger, Area Volunteer Manager for Cancer Research UK," John added.

"I would like to thank a lot of people who have helped me along the way. Special thanks go to two men, Kevin McAuley from Broughshane and Roger Crawford from Parkmore for their never ending support as well as all my family and friends who did all the collecting and fundraising.

"I would finally like to send my sincere gratitude to the whole agricultural community who are always there for me no matter what. I look forward to their future support when I tackle the Two Moors Walk in Dartmoor and Exmoor in summer 2010."

Anyone who would like to make a donation call John on 207 41532 or email [email protected]

To find out more about Cancer Research UK and how you can help please visit www.cancerresearchuk.org.uk or call 08701 60 20 40.