Ben Nevis Challenge May 2008 - a participant's view

In one momentary instance of madness

When you think you’re as fit as a flea

You volunteer to walk up Ben Nevis

And set off for sponsors with glee.

You think all’s going well with the training

You know your schedule of exercises ‘off pat’

But then someone forgot to remember

Ben Nevis was not really flat

In no time at all you’re at Fort William

Where the challenge is clearly defined

It’s four thousand four hundred and six feet up there

And too late to change your mind

So, Ben Nevis stands there before you

As you smile for the group photograph

You see all those rocks, stone and the snow

And you think “they’re having a laugh”

But, not so, as with gusto the whole group sets off

And you are part of the pack

So you point your nose up to the sky

Cos from here on there’s no turning back

Onward and upward ‘old fella’

Is the order of the day

Over rocks, stones and big boulders

And whatever else is in the way

At two thousand feet when your energy’s gone

And the youngsters have got it in gear

You think this wasn’t the best idea you’ve had

But you’ll do it - have no fear

With the moral support of your colleagues

You shuffle forward slowly with care

You go through the snowline at four thousand feet

And all of a sudden you’re there

You’re at the top of the UK’s highest mountain

You’re there and now you can say

You took on the challenge and did it

And raised quite a few quid for E.A