STUDENTS from an East Lothian-based gym are set to tackle Scotland’s highest peak later this month in the name of charity.

Patrick McKinnon, who runs Prestonpans-based Promethean Mixed Martial Arts, will be joined by four of the gym’s students – Callum Gosden, Vikki Adams, Joe Burns and Michael Cleary – as they attempt to reach the top of Ben Nevis on Saturday, July 28.

Also taking on the challenge is Patrick’s wife of almost a year Gurinder, and they are aiming to raise £1,000 for the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH).

Patrick, a former pupil of Haddington’s Knox Academy, told the Courier: “We all have mental health so it’s something we should be aware of and understand how it can affect others.

“We all know family and friends who have suffered from mental health issues, which made us realise that more needs to be done.

“Too many lives are lost due to people trying to be too strong or they don’t want to admit that they’re struggling due to the stigma attached to mental health problems.”

Meanwhile Callum, from Pencaitland, is dedicating the challenge to the late Scott Hutchison, the former Frightened Rabbit frontman who took his own life earlier this year.

He was “devastated” following Scott’s death in May and has vowed to run up Ben Nevis if the group’s fundraising total hits £600 before next weekend.

Additionally, the four boys have pledged to get their legs waxed if they hit £800.

And Callum said that they had not been doing any additional training before they attempt to take on the 1,345-metre ascent. He said: “We haven’t been doing any specific hiking training, just lots of rounds of drilling, rolling and sparring to keep us in tip top shape for the challenge.”

To donate, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/PrometheanMMA-Hike-Team