John O’Groats footballers climb seven Munros in 11 hours in fundraising challenge
John O’Groats Football Club’s virtual end-to-end challenge reached new heights when two members of the team climbed seven Munros in the Cairngorms within 11 hours.
Callum Musgrave and Saleem Bremner covered about 58 miles between them as part of a fundraising effort in which players and officials are racking up a combined distance of 874 miles – equivalent to the distance to Land’s End.
So far, £725 has been raised towards a target of £1000 and the money will be divided equally between the football club and the John O’Groats Playpark Fund.
Callum (22) and Saleem (30), accompanied by Saleem’s brother Kasim Ahmed (32), made their way across Ben Macdui, Braeriach, Cairn Gorm, Cairn Toul, Càrn a’ Mhàim, Sgòr an Lochain Uaine and The Devil’s Point on October 29.
Having booked in at a youth hostel, the trio set off at about 3am using head torches. They were in darkness for four or five of the 11 hours but otherwise enjoyed glorious sunshine.
“We came down the night before, booked the youth hostel, and then we realised that we couldn’t sleep – so we were only in the youth hostel for about four hours and we decided to get up and climb the mountains,” Callum said.
“At night-time it was really rainy and windy but once we got the red sky in the morning and the sunrise it was hot for the rest of the day. We got a good suntan from it.
“We walked and jogged just over a marathon over the seven Munros. I think me and Saleem accumulated 58 miles between us, which was quite a good little chunk out of the mileage going from John O’Groats to Land’s End.
“It was just a normal stroll in the park for us lads! We get to do something we enjoy and we get to help a charity, so it’s a win-win.”
A Munro is a Scottish mountain with an elevation of more than 3000 feet. Callum, Saleem and Kasim climbed eight in 13 hours on a previous trip, finishing at Ben Nevis.
“We’ve climbed nine of the 10 highest peaks in Britain,” Callum explained.
“Saleem and his brother have climbed more than me. I’ve just gone along because I quite enjoy it – Saleem is more of an expert.
“It can get quite sore on the legs – but once you do it, it’s great for the soul, and you’re in nature as well.
“Our next goal will probably be to try to do 10 in one day. We’ve done seven and eight, so I don’t see why we can’t do 10.”
Saleem lives in Canisbay, while Callum and Kasim both live in Wick.
Donations can be made on JustGiving. Regular updates are being posted to show how much distance has been covered on the virtual journey.
Iain Green, a John O’Groats committee member and player, said on Tuesday: “So far we’ve covered 606 miles, and we’re about 70 per cent complete. Hopefully we can finish it within the next week.”
There is a chance they could double the challenge and tackle the virtual journey in reverse.
The playpark is to be developed next to the football pitch. It will have state-of-the-art, multi-generational recreational facilities and will be in memory of local woman Julie McGee.
A statement on the JustGiving page says: “Funds raised will go towards improving facilities and equipment for John O’Groats FC, helping us to continue nurturing local talent and promoting grassroots football.
“Additionally, we’re proud to support the John O’Groats Playpark Fund, which is working to build a brand-new playpark for the area’s children. This new playpark will be a safe, fun space where kids can play and grow, making it a crucial addition to our community.
“Every donation will help us achieve our goals and bring something special to the John O’Groats community. Please support us in making a difference, one step at a time.”
