A NORTH Berwick charity is set to benefit from an ambitious fundraiser.

Mike Ogilvie is preparing to climb Ben Nevis later this year and raise money for North Berwick’s Beach Wheelchair Project at the same time.

He aims to tackle Scotland’s highest mountain as part of a team of fundraisers and hopes others will join him.

About 25 people have already signed up for the fundraiser, due to take place on May 22.

The 48-year-old has been inspired to take on the challenges, which he is also completing to raise money for Stamp Out Suicide, because of the “dedication to what they are doing” from those behind the charities.

Mike told the Courier: “Both Jackie Tagg from beach wheelchairs and Colm Farrell from Stamp Out Suicide have impressed me greatly.

“Initially, the plan was to do it just for Stamp Out Suicide but when I saw what beach wheelchairs were doing I thought it might help them raise awareness and funds.”

And Mike, a keen hillwalker, is keen to help out and admitted he was impressed with the Beach Wheelchair Project, which launched in North Berwick last summer.

He added: “When I looked at the cost of the adapted chairs I realised that ordinary folk would never be able to afford one and that the thought of a child or adult not being able to feel warm sand under their feet just because they can’t get an adapted chair needs to be addressed.”

The kind-hearted fundraiser is encouraging anyone who is taking part to open a JustGiving page.

He added: “Each walker has been given contact details for both causes, if they want to open a JustGiving page then that’s great.

“If not then donations can be made online via the relevant causes websites, which both have donation facilities online.

“As well as individual sponsorship, we are offering businesses the opportunity to have their logo or personal message displayed at the summit of Ben Nevis on a 4x2 foot banner which we will take up to the summit and have photographed.”

Two days after the Ben Nevis climb, Mike, from East Kilbride, also plans to tackle a 10,000-foot trek for the charities, which will see him climb Buachaille Etive Mor before Suliven on May 26.

For more information, contact mike.ogilvie@hotmail.com, or visit www.facebook.com/BenNevis