A north-east oil worker is preparing to take part in a fitness challenge on an Odyssean scale.
Caria Ammerlaan will embark on the 100 Peaks Challenge later this year which involves climbing up 100 peaks higher than 2,000 feet in Scotland, England, Wales and the Isle of Man.
The participants will also cycle and kayak between the mountains, and the trek includes a gruelling journey across the Irish Sea.
By the conclusion of the challenge, they will have gone up eight times the height of Mount Everest and walked more than 70 times the distance of a marathon.
The event commences on May 23 and participants will have just 25 days to complete it.
The 100 Peaks Challenge was established by Karl Rushen in memory of his brother Lloyd Newell, who was killed in Afghanistan whilst he was serving with the Special Air Service.
Ms Ammerlaan revealed that it was after meeting Mr Rushen she decided to get involved.
The 40-year-old from Aberdeen said: “I got to know Karl after I successfully completed the Special Forces Loadstone series, a series of three events emulating SAS hill phase selection in the Brecon Beacons.
“I was inspired by Karl’s motivation for the 100 Peaks Challenge. He wanted to do something positive in his brother’s memory and help others.
“After a selection process, I was chosen to be in the full challenge team.”
She went on to explain how she is preparing for what is one of the most formidable tests of anybody’s mettle.
As she added: “My training consists of strength sessions in the gym, a bootcamp, tabbing in the hills, running and sea kayak conditioning.
“Sea kayaking is completely new to me, so it’s a big challenge to be competent by the time the challenge starts to be able to cross the Irish Sea to the Isle of Man.
“Training is going well and, through that, I am able to help others by using my talents to keep me focused.”
The aim is to raise £100k for two military charities, ABF The Soldiers Charity and Support Our Paras.
And the initiative has been endorsed by legendary explorer, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, who knows as much as anyone about putting his body through the wringer.
He said: “The 100 Peaks Challenge will be an exceptional endurance event, which will test both the physical and mental fitness and resilience of those taking part.
“This, with the logistics of attempting to [reach the] summit [of] 100 peaks in four countries in 25 days, means it is a first.
“It is quite possibly the most demanding endurance challenge ever staged in the UK.
“When I first heard about this challenge, I was keen to support it.
“Please join me in supporting this outstanding charity challenge and those participating in it.”
To donate to the challenge, visit
http://www.100peaks.co.uk/
.
