Andy McIntosh, Chairman of SSAFA Lanarkshire and late of the Cheshire Regiment, climbed Ben A’an (1,512 feet) last year in just over 100 minutes.
Given that the average ascent is two hours, he made good time – in fact, he made incredible time because Andy was told that injuries sustained during his service meant he would never walk again.
His climb was not just a personal challenge, but also a fundraising exercise for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, and he was ably supported by Alan and Lucy Clark of FTPT Gym in Strathaven, and others.
A new supporter is Meghan Gallacher, Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for the Central Scotland region. Such is her support that Meghan has submitted a motion to the Scottish Parliament recognising Andy for his efforts.
Her motion – which will be circulated to all MSPs for them to add their support – reads:
“That the Parliament congratulates former Lanarkshire Soldier, Andy McIntosh, for scaling all 1,512ft of Ben A’an in just under two hours; notes that the 49-year-old Veteran was told that he would never walk again after sustaining life changing injuries during his service, and further notes that he raised a total of £1,600 for the Armed Forces charity, SSAFA, which supported Andy on his road to recovery, and that Andy is now the chairman of SSAFA Lanarkshire.”
Andy commented:
“I’ve had a tremendous amount of support from all quarters for my climb, all of which I’ve been so grateful for. But the motion submitted by Meghan is of a different kind because it really brings not me, but SSAFA to the attention of our MSPs and whichever party they belong to, I know they support our serving men and women, veterans, and their families – just as SSAFA has done for nearly 140 years.”
To find out how to volunteer, fundraise, or to access support, visit ssafa.org.uk/lanarkshire.
