A TEAM of 40, including a couple from Bridge of Allan, have completed an overnight trek up Ben Nevis in a bid to raise funds.

The event was supporting MND Scotland with fundraisers setting off from the bottom of the UK's highest mountain at 11.30pm on Saturday, August 21.

Among them were Rachel and Scott Maitland, from Bridge of Allan, who reached the peak with the team after five gruelling hours.

Rachel, who was introduced as MND Scotland's chief executive just the month before, joined in on her first fundraiser for the good cause, which seeks to help make life easier for those living with motor neurone disease (MND).

She said: “I would like to thank every single person who braved our Ben Nevis Midnight Trek to raise vital funds for MND Scotland.

“This was my first fundraising event since joining the charity, and I was blown away by the sheer determination of everyone there, and by the support the group gave to each other throughout the night.

“It was a really tough but memorable experience, and everyone did unbelievably well.”

The team raised more than £25,000, which will also help fund ground-breaking research.

MND Scotland is marking its 40th anniversary this year, and it was “so fitting” then, that 40 people would take on the challenge – explained Rachel.

She added: “Forty years ago, there was no support, care or treatment for people diagnosed with MND in Scotland.

“Thanks to fundraisers like this, MND Scotland now provides life-changing support to families living with MND today, and funds the pioneering research which is taking us closer to a cure.

“I am very proud to have been part of the Ben Nevis team, and cannot thank you all enough for raising an incredible £25,000 for our cause.”

People looking to support the good cause can visit mndscotland.org.uk/events or email fundraising@mndscotland.org.uk.