A Cardenden man has set himself the challenge of walking Benarty hill for 24hours straight, to raise money for Cancer Research following his wife's battle with the disease.
Steven McFarlane, 40, has long been an avid hill-walker and has previously climbed multiple munroes and set himself annual challenges, set targets for how many times he could climb his annual hill.
Come this summer, he plans to embark on a 24hour hike of Benarty Hill, also known as 'Sleeping-Giant' to raise money for Cancer Research.
He plans to walk from Saturday June 20 until the following day, to take advantage of the lightest night of the year, but says this will all be weather dependant and "there's nothing worse than hiking in the rain!"
Steven's wife, Angela was diagnosed with cervical cancer in January last year after experiencing pain around her abdominal area. The news was a big shock for the family, and Steven had to break the news to their children.
Steven said: "That was really difficult. Having to sit down and tell the boys, my daughter and my step son. It was one of the hardest things I've ever done.
"I kept thinking of the worst case scenario."
Angela was admitted to Edinburgh's Western General and received an intense round of chemotherapy and radiology.
"We went to Edinburgh everyday. She did get sick, she felt her hair falling out and getting thinner.
"Her wage went down to sick pay so financially we were down," Steven said.
Angela finally received the all-clear in November last year, a huge relief to her family.
Itching to do something to raise some money for charity, he decided on Sleeping Giant and started fundraising.
After setting an initial target for £1000, it was quickly increased following a large donation from his workplace, EC Aluminium in Glenrothes.
Steven added: “For the charity, I thought I’ll try and raise some money, I said I’ll do Benarty Hill for 24 hours, no stopping, no sitting down, no having a picnic at the top.
"My work have been absolutely amazing, giving me time off for appointments. My boss jumped in right away and put down £500."
His JustGiving page can be supported at: https://www.justgiving.com/page/stevenmc
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