The Skye Challenge - Assault from the Sea
Paddle 25 miles in darkness along the southern coast of Skye. Complete a traverse of the Cuillin Ridge, one of the longest alpine-style rock-climbing routes in Europe. Paddle a further 30 miles across open sea back to the start point. All to be done in one continuous push, without rest, and within 48 hours.
Two friends will be attempting this challenge at the end of May 09 to raise money for the Help For Heroes charity. There is no record of it having been tried before.
Outline
Help For Heroes
Since 2001, the military campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq have claimed the lives of more than 330 British soldiers, sailors and airmen. The number of seriously wounded is significantly higher and reflects the ferocity of fighting that has taken place over the last eight years. The number of wounded service personnel continues to grow and remains largely unreported. The effect upon those who have served, as well as their families, has been profound.
The intentions behind this challenge are to draw attention to this situation and, with your kind help, to contribute in a small way to improving the care available to these men and women.
Mountaineering and sea kayaking are two of the most satisfying and physically challenging activities. However, they are also well known for their misery and require both mental and physical endurance.
Our start point is Mallaig in the north west of Scotland. From here we paddle 24 miles throughout the night to Loch Scavaig on the Isle of Skye. We then attack the 8 mile Cuillin Ridge from south to north, climbing approximately 4000 meters in total. This is the longest and most arduous mountaineering route in the UK and is infamous for it’s changeable weather and low success rate. Upon completion of the ridge we will navigate a further 8 miles in darkness to pick up our kayaks and paddle 30 miles back to Mallaig via the islands of Rum and Eigg.
The Challenge
Our wounded servicemen need your support. Please help us raise as much as we can on their behalf. Donating could not be easier. Simply click on the link below and follow the instructions. All donations, however small, are greatly appreciated.
Thank You
Tommy and Kieron
About Us
Tommy and Kieron are both from Edinburgh. They became friends in 1994 while serving with the 4th Battalion The Parachute Regiment. Tommy was later commissioned into the Royal Marines and completed tours in Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq. They have undertaken numerous challenges together over the past 5 years and have no intention of stopping anytime soon.
Tommy Kelly
Kieron Ross
To Donate
Most runners complete the London Marathon in less than five hours, the fastest time for the Ironman Triathlon is eight and swimming the English channel takes on average fourteen. We will be continuously moving for up to 48 hours, covering much of the distance in darkness and through some of the UK’s most formidable mountain terrain.
Upon completion of the challenge we will publish a full report on this website including photos and a video.
UPDATE 4/06/09: Challenge completed on Sunday 31st May 2009. Please see following pages for details.
Per Mare Per Terram Utrinque Paratus
