04 Sep Climb Chair Climb!
SAYFC’s National Chair Sets Out on Epic Climbing Journey
Jillian Kennedy, National Chair of the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC), has laced up her boots and taken the first steps of her “Climb Chair Climb” Challenge. Her mission: to summit 56 of Scotland’s iconic Munros, in an effort to raise funds and awareness for SAYFC’s ‘Big Build’ project.
Jillian spoke about the inspiration behind the challenge:
“The “Climb Chair Climb” challenge is inspired by the new building and the old Young Farmer’s centre. I wanted to do a challenge that I could relate to the Big Build Campaign that has a nod to our past while we develop our future! Young farmers began operating out of the old young farmers centre on the 2nd of June 1969: 56 years ago. Hence the challenge of climbing 56 Munros, one for each year of the old centre, was born: all in an effort to raise funds for our new home at Ingliston. “
Despite hailing from the hills of Perthshire, Forest Manager Jillian is quite new to the practice of bagging Munros:
“I do a bit of walking, largely at work but I have only climbed five Munros in total before. Three were for an anniversary challenge with my club Aberfeldy & District JAC in 2019, one as part of my silver Duke of Edinburgh practice, and one was actually work related. As it worked out, I will be repeating three of these during this challenge. The challenge is definitely not about being an expert climber, it’s about the quick succession of reaching the 56 peaks, and the physical challenge, demonstrating a huge effort and time commitment for what is a very worthy cause!”
The first weekend of the challenge got off to a flying start with Jillian and friends braving the heat to conquer seven peaks across two days:
“The first weekend was very hot which added a little bit of water stress and for some quite uncomfortable parts of the day. There was so little wind even the midges were adventuring to the cairns on the Saturday for the four climbed at Drumochter. On Sunday three peaks were reached at Newtonmore on another hot day. Sore hips and feet didn’t make for an easy day, but I was delighted and very relieved to reach peak number seven before making our way back for a well-earned dinner and a cold shower! Only 49 to go…!”
In the face of the daunting task ahead, Jillian is fuelled by her passion for the cause behind the challenge:
“Supporting the “Climb Chair Climb” challenge is about more than raising money, it’s about investing in the future of rural youth. The Big Build will create a modern and versatile centre at the Royal Highland Showground, that supports the running of SAYFC year‑round. Owning the building will mean we have an asset belonging to the association, a base for our staff; an event space; a hub for other rural charities; and a heritage centre to both showcase the past and inspire the future.”
She continued with a call for support and company for her future climbs:
“I would be very grateful to anyone who would like to join in the challenge along the way and help raise funds. It has been great to have company over the first weekend and to share this challenge with members one step at a time. Whether you’re a current member, past member, non-member, or part of a club, everyone is welcome to join the challenge in whatever way feels comfortable for you.”
“By supporting this challenge, you can help SAYFC empower rural youth and contribute to a legacy that will benefit generations to come. Every step, every summit, and every pound, brings us closer to a stronger future for rural Scotland.”
Jillian and her fellow climbers are looking to raise £100 for every Munro they summit with every penny going to support the ‘Big Build’. Readers can find out more and support the challenge by visiting the fundraising page at https://sayfc.enthuse.com/cf/climb-chair-climb .
