Colin’s West Highland Walk for NF
08 July 2021
Colin has completed his incredible walking challenge, trekking the West Highland Way in Scotland over the last week. He took on this challenge to help raise awareness and funds for people affected by Neurofibromatosis, like his grandson Finley.
– Colin"Unlike many, our grandson was diagnosed very early, so we have been on the journey with our daughter and son-in-law through all the testing and multiple visits to a number of London Hospitals. Finley is now four and in all ways is like any other little boy, loves football, splashing in puddles, annoying his sister and all the multitude of things that fascinate little boys."
The 97-mile route starting in Milngavie, a suburb of Glasgow, & finishing in Fort William takes in some of the most scenic and challenging walks in Scotland. Traversing the east bank of Loch Lomond, crossing Rannoch Moor, the remotest place in the UK, and climbing the dreaded Devils Staircase – the highest point on the walk! To make things even more interesting Colin completed the whole challenge, like a true Scot, wearing a tartan kilt & waving his Nerve Tumours UK flag, helping to shine a light on NF throughout the highlands.
Day 1 – Off to an epic start, finishing 21.5km!
Day 2 - Trekking through the forest
Day 3 - Another day down
Day 4 - Taking in those beautiful highland views
Day 5 – “Today was a rest day, only 10.4K”, some rest that is!
Day 6 – Battling the heavy rain & strapping up his feet, completing 19.8k & finally resting in a train station turned bunkhouse!
Day 7 – The penultimate day, climbing the Devils Staircase & completing 14.7k
Day 8 – The final day, completing 24.9k & lucky to keep dry (although it was very hot)
Well done, Colin, what an incredible achievement! Your efforts have gone a long way to help raise funds and awareness for our NF community, thank you.
– Colin"I’d like to thank Roger Dunford a friend who enjoyed the many ups and downs of this walk with me, Mick Cain of Surrey Trail and Run for getting my heart pumping and my lungs bursting on the many training walks and everyone who supported me on the way. "
Filter News
Meet Jessica, new Specialist NF Nurse
Jessica will work with Specialist NF Nurse Helen Tomkins, supporting families across Devon and Cornwall.
Read MoreRare Disease Day 2024
Read our update on the events and meetings NTUK attended to help raise awareness of NF
Read MoreJohnathan’s story
Johnathon's family are spreading awareness of the importance of attending health checks and advocating for vulnerable people
Read MoreJen’s NF1 story
Jen praises the great support received since her NF1 diagnosis, allowing her to thrive & achieve a 1st class degree.
Read MoreCharlotte & Evie’s story
'Sticker Queen' Evie is 4 years old and was diagnosed with NF1 after tests for a 'lazy eye'.
Read MoreLuke’s Story
Luke had NF1 since childhood. Now an adult, surgery last year has enabled him to play football and do whatever he wants
Read MoreCharlotte’s Story
When Charlotte was 6, she was diagnosed with NF1, along with her brother & dad. Now she is on a mission to raise awareness
Read MoreEden P for healthcare professionals
Healthcare professionals, who provide support to expectant parents with NF1 are invited to take part in the Eden P study
Read MoreNicole’s story
Nicole has NF2, she describes the preparations and the absolute joyful experience of the birth of her son Lewis
Read More