After a successful pilot in 2015, the popular hiking event returns for its second year and the charity is appealing to everyone across Scotland to ‘Challenge Arrochar’ with family, friends and colleagues on Saturday 18 June to celebrate the remarkable care and support The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre (The Beatson) provides.

Whether the participants are fitness fanatics or steady strollers, there is the choice of three different challenges to suit all fitness levels. Ranging from the one peak challenge of The Cobbler to the three peaks challenge which also includes Ben Ime and Ben Narnain, there is a challenge for everyone this summer.

Up and coming Scottish actor John Bell, who played Bain in two instalments of the Hobbit film series, has already donned his boots for the challenge. He said: “After participating in Challenge Arrochar last year, I can’t wait to get back up on the hills. It’s great fun and totally worth the hike when you see the amazing views from the top.” John made his TV debut in BBC’s Doctor Who and featured in action and fantasy films Battleship and Wrath of the Titans.

The 18 year old Paisley born actor will be taking part in remembrance of his beloved ‘Granny I’ who was treated at The Beatson. John continued: “To many she was Irene Bell, but to me she was ‘Granny I’, and that 'I' stood for more than just her name, to me it also stands for incredible. She was a woman with a warm heart and no matter what life threw at her she never lost her determination, always cracking a joke and a smile right up until her last days.

“The care she received at The Beatson was second to none. From the little details to the big decisions the staff offered tremendous support throughout all the stages of her treatment and for that I am eternally grateful knowing she was in the best care. I hope more people sign up for the event this year to celebrate the amazing work Beatson Cancer Charity does to help people like you and me at the times we need it the most.”

Every donation big or small ensures The Beatson is able to offer much needed support for patients and their loved ones. Funding helps to provide a comprehensive range of patient and family support services, including patient wellbeing and complementary therapy services delivered at the charity’s unique and award-winning Wellbeing Centre and throughout the cancer centre and related facilities.

The charity also funds specialist staff posts including nursing, radiography, physics and research based staff as well as funding enhanced medical equipment, innovative service developments and novel research projects and educational initiatives.

William Oviatt, Fundraiser at Beatson Cancer Charity, said: “We are excited to bring back this popular event for 2016. Challenge Arrochar provides a great day out for everyone whilst raising vital funds for people living with cancer.

“Cancer touches the lives of so many families throughout Scotland; we want to raise as much money as possible to continue to offer the care and support they deserve. We hope that everyone has a fantastic time Challenging Arrochar – we will see you at the top!”

If you would like to lace up your hiking boots and get involved with this exciting event, visit http://www.beatsoncancercharity.org, call 0141 212 0505 or e-mail [email protected] to register.