Mountain challenge has global backing

Published 24 Jan 2012 10:00

PEOPLE from across the world have been backing a determined Dumbarton climber after the Reporter revealed she was on the verge of completing a mammoth charity challenge in memory of her aunt.

Theresa McIntyre has nearly reached the summit of all of Scotland's 283 munro mountain tops - which are 3,000ft high or bigger - and now only has a handful left to conquer.

The 41-year-old became hooked on the hobby after deciding to get fit and now hopes to raise as much money as possible for the hospice which cared for her aunt - Josephine Evans who died last July - when she climbs her final mountain in the coming weeks.

Last week Christine Bingham, Josephine's daughter, got in touch with the Reporter to say that since reading the article online people from overseas have been keen to show their support.

The former Dumbarton resident, who has been living in Canada for the past five years, said: "I attached the Reporter article to my Facebook page and immediately a couple of friends here in Vancouver who had met mum said they would like to donate.

"I think this is a true achievement on Theresa's part - she has been so committed to completing this, often in adverse weather conditions and always after a long week at work, setting out on lengthy drives before she even gets to the mountain range to begin the climb.

"I think her bravery and endurance are outstanding and the fact she's doing this in honour and memory of my mum, I find to be the most touching tribute.

"My mum was inspirational. She approached a terminal diagnosis with quiet dignity, great bravery, deep faith and an unfailing sense of humour. Theresa, in my opinion, shows the same strength of character as she approaches her final steps in this truly commendable achievement."

Over the course of her two year journey Theresa has slept in some unusual spots in preperation for her climb the following day and often tries to complete as many as she can in a single weekend.

She also recently climbed a Corbett - a mountain with an altitude between 2500 and 3,000ft - as she took a break from the slightly bigger climbs. Theresa joked: "On Sunday I went to do a Corbett in Arrochar. I was laughing saying I'll never do that, and that I would just stick to Munros and then get a life! But it's right on your door step from Dumbarton.

"Friends of mine that I was at university with in Ireland and Canada have also been in touch and were saying they have seen the link to the story and have said that they want to donate."

Theresa is planning to complete her final munro in the coming weeks and is trying to raise as much money as possible for the St Margaret of Scotland Hospice who are based in neighbouring Clydebank.

Anyone who wishes to donate can get in touch with Theresa by calling 07821740763 or by emailing mcintyre_theresa@hotmail.com.

THE outcome of the public consultation process on the council's budget saving options for 2012/13 will be revealed this week.

At a special council meeting on Thursday a report will be submitted by Joyce White, the council's chief excutive, providing an overview of the public consultation process and public feedback on the budget proposals.

A report is also due to be submitted by the interim executive director of Corporate Services which will provide the council with enough information to allow them to agree the level of Council Tax residents will pay for the 2012/13 period and the General Services Revenue Estimates for the same time period.

A VALE man uttered racist remarks at two men and and threw a can of juice.

Patrick Fairley, 17, behaved in the racially aggravated manner during an incident in Bonhill's Elmbank Drive on November 23 last year and last week appeared in Dumbarton Sheriff Court in connection with the offence after being found guilty at trial.

Sheriff Joan Kerr deferred sentence on Fairley, of Levenbank Terrace, Alexandria, until February 8 for in order for the case to call before Sheriff Fraser.

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THE Langcraigs Hillwalking Club's walk on Sunday is to Stob Coire nan Lochan.

To join the walk meet at the Gilmour Street car park, Alexandria, at 8am.

THE first 2012 meeting of the Alexandria Floral Club will be next month.

The committee wish to extend a welcome to the members and invite them along.

The meeting will be held in the Lennox Hall Jamestown on Wednesday February 1 at 2pm

For further information call 01389 753911.

A vandal who smashed the window of a police 4x4 will have to wait to hear his fate.

Stuart Ballantyne broke the rear window of the marked Mitsubishi Outlander on 31 July last year while it was parked at Dumbarton Police station.

The 25-year-old, who resides at Flat 5, 11 Merkins Avenue, appeared in Dumbarton Sheriff Court on Thursday after previously pleading guilty to the offence.

Sentencing was deferred to February 16 in order for the courts to prepare a criminal social justice report.

A MAN who behaved in a disorderly manner and threw various household items failed to appear in court.

Thomas Devenay, 49, also shouted and swore during the incident on May 29 at his home address.

Last week he was due to turn up at Dumbarton Sheriff Court but failed to do so.

Defending him his lawyer said that his client had suffered a heart attack a few days before he was due to appear which explained his non-appearance.

Sheriff Joan Kerr deferred sentence on Devenay of, Glen Avenue, Balloch, until January 31 for medical evidence to be produced.

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