Guest blog by Scott Mairs, who is fundraising for RSPB NIScott, who hails from County Antrim and who turns 19 this month, is setting off on the Tour Du Mont Blanc - one of the most popular long-distance walks in Europe – in June. He has chosen RSPB NI as his nominated charity.
It was a rainy evening last October when myself and three friends Jordan, Callum and Harry discussed going somewhere new, exciting and adventurous.(Callum and Harry are pictured above, with Scott on the left)We toyed between going to Norway and France, but France ended up being the winner. The Tour Du Mont Blanc popped up as a very viable option, with stunning landscapes and more reliable weather than that of Norwegian walks.
It was only a month later that we booked flights to Geneva from Belfast (via London). Our trip will be from June 18 to July 3. We were all set. The mountains looked stunning, the walk sounded like a challenge, and the excitement grew.We have climbed various mountains in the time since booking. Training hikes are difficult and demanding, with our backpacks gradually becoming heavier and our treks becoming longer.
Our last hike was possibly the most difficult climb I've done to date in the Mourne Mountains (see pictures, below). But then on our way down from from the mountain, it felt like a success; an achievement in and of itself.
But the Mournes don't come close to matching the Alps for height or difficulty, so we needed to undertake extra training and each of us has been independently training when we can, where we can.
I have been trying to swim once a week and will be upping that after I finish my studies shortly. This prep will be vital and is necessary to enjoy the hike.
In doing this hike, I had the idea that it would be great to raise money for charity, and there was only one that I could think of to help out - the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). I live only six miles from the RSPB's Portmore Lough reserve and so I want the money I raise to go to such a fantastic charity. I took a drive up to the reserve and discussed with the staff there how to fundraise. They pointed me, kindly, in the right direction and, before I knew it, I was fundraising for RSPB NI.
I chose RSPB NI as they're a local charity looking after wildlife, habitats and fauna, something that everyone who lives here should appreciate. As a photographer, I need animals to photograph and the RSPB is hugely effective at preserving the native wildlife of this country. It's something that we and the next generation can and will enjoy through their work, but this doesn't come for free.
It does cost the RSPB to conserve nature, and a lot at that. With your help, however, they can continue their fantastic work and continue to preserve the nature of this beautiful country.
As the date of our trip approaches - quickly, I might add! - the excitement is building with every passing week. With only a tent to buy, along with hostels to book, I'm feeling ready and raring to go.
This will be my first trip outside of the UK and Ireland; it should be a good one. So if you can spare a little money to help me raise funds - even just a pound or two - that would be hugely appreciated. It's a charity close to my heart and it would inspire me further to achieve this goal of hiking the Alps. Thank you. Wish me luck!Scott's fundraising page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/smairstmbALL IMAGES (C) SCOTT MAIRS