The team at Byron Hairdressing is taking no chances when it comes to raising money for Maggie’s through the salon’s Big Ben Nevis Challenge next month, when the team will ascend the mountain en masse for charity. Earlier this May they met with Laurie Anderson, race coordinator with Scottish Hill Racing and local Kirkcaldy businessman, to quiz him on the dos and don’ts of conquering Ben Nevis.
Practically the entire team from Byron will be heading to the Grampians in June to climb the 1,344m peak, Britain’s tallest mountain, to raise money for Maggie’s, and they have already been meeting on alternate Sundays to train locally. Few of them have ever climbed a mountain before so they are keen to learn what they can in advance.
First surprise was the revelation that most people get injured on the way down rather than going up.
‘The Byron team have done remarkably well to prepare for the climb,’ says Laurie, owner of Cartridge World Kirkcaldy and veteran of Ben Nevis. He has run up it 20 times. ‘But there are a few tips I could give them to keep them safe, such as taking it gently on the way back down to avoid muscle strain or injury from tripping.’
He also gave them a list of essential equipment, which included a flask of hot chocolate, plasters, a whistle and a survival bag.
Over the past decade Byron has held regular charity events and raised more than £20,000 for Maggie’s, which provides a unique and innovative programme of information and support to people living with cancer, their families and their friends. Late last year, the salon held a James Bond-themed day, which was featured on STV morning news. This year, the team wanted to do something different and with the support of clients and others have already bust through their target of raising £1,000 for the charity.
‘The training together every other Sunday, led by our receptionist Diane Mullen, has been great for team-building and for improving fitness,’ says Ronnie Marshall, owner of Byron Hairdressing. ‘But we realise now it was also essential for breaking in our boots and clothing. One of Laurie’s most important tips was to avoid wearing anything new for the climb. We’ve got jackets and fleeces prepared for the potential temperature drop of 10 degrees when we get to the top.’
Laurie also warned against any frolicking in the snow, should the peak still be covered.
‘There is a good chance there will still be snow and it could be covering rocks or holes so everyone has to make sure they walk carefully to the peak,’ he adds.
Anyone keen to sponsor the Byron Team in their Big Ben Nevis Challenge can do so at www.justgiving.com/byronbennevischallenge or by dropping into the salon at 88 Alexandra St, Kirkcaldy, Fife KY1 1HQ.

For further information contact Su Clark at Cocoroco Communications on 0131 605 2119/ 07905 117706 or email su@cococoms.com