The lighthouse, with its impressive 26-metre tower, is perched high on top of cliffs overlooking Scotland’s southern-most point. The climb is not for the faint hearted but Mike says: “I live in Scotland and my wife, Stephanie is a volunteer at our local Macmillan cancer care shop so when she told me about this challenge I was more than happy to give it a go.
“I have abseiled before but this was technically demanding, and very exhilarating. The views from the Mull of Galloway are spectacular and anything that helps to raise funds for such a great charity is very worthwhile, but I have to admit that I was glad to be back on terra firma at the end!”
Mike, who is a keen mountain climber, is no stranger to heights or meeting challenges. Whilst living in Africa in 1976 he ran up Mount Kenya and back again in four hours and 38 minutes and as far as he is aware is still the word record holder for this amazing feat.
He says: “I completed the run in four hours and 38 minutes and, looking back I must have been mad! I have also climbed Kilimanjaro six times; the last time was in 2006 was with my son, Jimmy who became the first paraplegic in the world to reach the summit crater. He’s a very clever, committed and exceptional young man and this was truly a fantastic achievement.”
