Needle Little Love owner Heather Milne to climb Ben Rinnes for 24 hours for Moray Food Plus
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AN ELGIN woman will climb Ben Rinnes for 24 hours this Sunday (June 19), to raise money for Moray Food Plus.
Heather Milne (40), owner of Elgin piercing shop Needle Little Love, was inspired to undertake the "gruelling" challenge after improving her health during lockdown.
Starting at 7am on Sunday, she plans to climb Ben Rinnes as many times as she can before 7am on Monday.
Heather said the challenge was a way to keep fit, while making a difference to the lives of people in Moray.
She said: "During lockdown I did Ben Rinnes a few times and I think that is what started my fitness journey.
"I have done really well with getting fit, and I have lost about three and a half stone.
"The food bank is something that a lot of people are going to need going forwards.
"The economic situation right now is quite dire, so that really pushed me on to try and make a bit of a difference."
Heather originally planned to do a food collection at her business.
However, since she operates a piercing shop, she could not store food on the premises.
She said: "I was going to do a food collection for the food bank, but my business actually has medical cleanliness standards.
"So I figured I would just do a gruelling physical challenge for it instead.
"So that is why I did it. It might be a bit mad but that is why."
To train for the amazing feat, Heather has been working with a personal trainer twice a week and climbing Ladyhill for 40 minutes every night.
With the big day approaching, however, she is now in her resting phase.
She said: "I did my last session on Ladyhill last night, and I am very glad to have parted ways.
"I am 40 and I want to prove I can still do this. My personal trainer has been absolutely amazing.
"I think this will push my body to the limit, but she has made sure I will be okay.
"Halfway through the day I am sure I will be thinking: 'What the hell am I doing?'
"But it will be fine, it will be fine."
To help her while battling the hill, Heather has enlisted family and friends to join her on several climbs.
She said: "I have a lot of my friends who are coming, so it should be a good day.
"My mum is coming up from Carlisle too so that will be nice.
"Plus the scenery is amazing, as long as it doesn't rain!"
Heather's worries about weather has meant she has so far been too nervous to check the forecast.
She said: "I really, really hope it is nice weather. I have not even dared to check yet.
"I am not going to look until Saturday."
Rain or shine, come Sunday, Heather is excited for the chance to raise money for people truly in need.
She said: "If I can raise a bit of money for them – even if I end up killing myself in the process – then that would be great.
"I am not even looking for a lot of money, even just £1 if people can afford to donate that.
"Each donation is cash in the pockets of Moray Food Bank, which is cash going to help families who really need it.
"It is money they don't have and it will be money put to good use.
"I have trained hard enough, so I am not giving up now.
"I am strong like that."
To support Heather's fundraising, visit: https://gofund.me/e799d183
