A north couple endured temperatures of -20C in the Arctic as they completed the first of eight walking marathons this year to raise money for charity.
Jim and Gill Robertson, from Birichen in Sutherland, have walked thousands of miles, dozens of marathons and secured almost £30,000 for good causes since they began fundraising nine years ago.
It started in 2007 when the couple power-walked the 26.2 mile Edinburgh Moonwalk through the night, while wearing decorated bras, to raise money for the Walk the Walk breast cancer charity.
In 2014 they did their first “multi-challenge” year, taking on eight marathons including in London and New York, and last year they completed another seven, including the 62-mile Thames Path Challenge.
And they started this year with their most “amazing adventure” yet, as they embarked on a two-day marathon on cross-country skis in the Arctic.
Mrs Robertson, 44, said: “On day one we skied 13.1 miles to our next base camp. There was a group of 21 of us out there and all were women – Jim was the only man.
“In our four groups we all headed into the unknown and soon learnt how to cross country ski in the middle of nowhere.
“On day two we skied the final 13.1 miles and completed the Arctic marathon. We had to stop to let a herd of over 800 reindeer pass in front of our group – it was a fantastic sight.
“In true Walk the Walk style, on our final night in the Ice bar and the Ice hotel we sported our decorated bras for a team photo. We then returned to the airport on a dog sled.”
Mr Robertson, 64, is the owner of Tain accountants AW Gray and Butler, and his wife works at the Scotsburn Garden Centre in the Easter Ross town.
The couple regularly clock-up eight miles training in the Highland hills before breakfast, and for the Arctic challenge had to learn to ski, as well adding swimming, cross training and kettle bell exercises to their routine.
Mrs Robertson said: “We have another seven marathons to walk this year and will once again be taking on the Thames path 100k challenge.
“Since 2007 we have raised nearly £30,000 for Walk the Walk. We are hoping to reach this target this year.”
“We have raised in excess of £11,000 for other charities but our main charity, Walk the Walk, always inspires us with groups of people all with the same mindset raising awareness and fundraising whilst getting fit.
“We go through many pairs of trainers.”
