The Yearsley family, mum and dad Simon and Sarah and their grown-up kids Eleanor and Edward, took part in the Salomon Skyline Scotland trail races to raise money for a dear friend, Malcolm Bass
On August 25, 2020, Malcolm had a devastating stroke while visiting the Yearsleys. He had enjoyed a climbing trip with Simon but then the stroke hit without mercy and devastatingly affected the fit athlete, adventurer and National Health Service psychologist.
Malcom is making steady progress, however, his rehabilitation remains taxing, with several physio sessions each week – and there is still a long way to go.
Fundraising efforts through the Move Mountains For Malcolm GoFundMe campaign have so far allowed Malcolm to begin to enjoy the outdoors again on his specialist off-road wheelchair. Money also helps to support intensive cognitive and physical therapy.
More fund-raising from the Yearsleys
On Sunday, the Yearsley family took part in two Salomon Skyline Scotland trail races in Kinlochleven. Edward and Eleanor ran The Three Mealls 18km (741m of ascent), while Simon and Sarah participated in the Loch Eilde Mòr 10km (475m of ascent) race.
These are tough trail races and between them they ran almost 2500m of ascent and more 56km. However, as Simon said: “While challenging, these races are nothing compared to what Malcolm is facing.”
So far they have risen two-thirds of the £2000 target. Can you help? See the JustGiving fund-raising page.
As well as funds, the Move Mountains For Malcolm campaign are keen to educate on the FAST protocol in case of a stroke.
Read more about Malcolm and stay up to date with his journey at Go Fund Me, where almost £55,000 has been raised, or on Facebook @MoveMountainsForMalcolm.
Yearsley family report: Skyline Scotland trail races
Eleanor and Edward raced in the Three Mealls 18km trail race.
Eleanor said: “The Three Mealls was incredible to run. A highlight was coming down out of the clouds and seeing Kinlochleven doused in sunlight. As I got closer, I could hear the cheers from the finish line, which was a real boost.”
Edward said: “It was a great day out in the hills and brilliant running from start to finish. I felt strong coming into the event and was able to push fairly hard from the start.
“I snuck in just under 2 hours 20 minutes which I’m super happy with. The race was made even more special doing it for our good friend Malcolm Bass.
“I will definitely be back for more next year.”
Sarah and Simon completed the Loch Eilde Mor 10km trail race.
Sarah said: “The Loch Eilde Mor 10km trail race was a real challenge for me. I’m not an experienced runner and my last long outing like this was a half marathon on a flat course seven years ago.
“I enjoyed training over the summer and was pleased to be able to keep running as much as I did on terrain that is not my natural habitat.
“It was a fun day out that was made more special by it being a family challenge to support fundraising for our dear friend as he recovers from a severe stroke.”
Simon said: “I’ve never raced in this kind of Euro-style event and I was really impressed by the organisation and the way it brought so many people together to enjoy the amazing Scottish mountains.
“Running as part of a family ‘team’ was wonderful fun and something I was really proud of, especially as we were able to raise money for our good pal Malcolm’s ongoing recovery.
“We’re already planning next year’s challenge and hope to rope in even more of the Yearsley clan to join us.”