Scottish outdoor enthusiast Alex Slipchuk is taking part in the TGO challenge 2021 to raise money for two charities, Malaria No More and Scottish Mountain Rescue. He is also donating his trusty solo Hilleberg tent to one lucky donor, whose name will be drawn from a hat two weeks after the event.
The TGO Challenge is an historic Scottish event. Since 1980, thousands of people have taken part annually and walked from Scotland’s west coast to east coast.
Alex, who has been a keen outdoors fan since his teens, will solo backpack from Oban to Montrose over a fortnight. The 200-mile hike will include 8000ft of total elevation. Alex will wild camp each night. The only shower or bath available will be rain, river or loch.
Dad-of-two Alex has chosen the charities, which he describes as being “very close to my heart for very different, yet related reasons”.
He says: “Malaria takes the life of a child under five every two minutes. That’s more than 700 children a day who die from this preventable and treatable disease.
“Meanwhile, Scottish Mountain Rescue provide a valuable volunteer service that too many of us take for granted, especially now hill traffic has increased.
“I hope people will support me by donating, sharing and generally egging me on.”
Alex plans to post video clips and short vlogs while crossing Scotland. See: thezippyslipchukshow.
Tent give-away
To demonstrate his commitment to the fundraiser, Alex is donating his Hilleberg tent to one winning (non-commercial) donor. He will pick a name randomly on July 16.
The rules are that there will one one entry per donor. The tent will be Covid safe and sent anywhere worldwide.
Alex says: “I ask that people will please donate to my chosen causes. Save a life because one day it may be you in need of rescue. If you use the Scottish hills and outdoors for pleasure, please donate and show your thanks.”
See Alex’s JustGiving page.