A GROUP of plucky adventurers have returned from a mountaineering expedition in which they hiked up Ben Nevis for charity.

The group, which consisted of around 50 people, arrived in Scotland last Saturday night and headed straight up the UK’s highest mountain.

Gary Turland, 31, who works at Grange Leisure in Stratton, organised the outing as a way of bringing people together and to raise money for two charities: Swindon Mind and CALM.

Gary, who, unlike many in the troupe, has been up Ben Nevis before, said: “It was hard, it was a really tough challenge but I was very excited about it because we had a great bunch of people.

“The legs were burning a few times and even the fittest among us found it quite challenging. But anyone can do it if they give themselves enough time.”

People completed the challenge in different times – some in four hours, some in six or seven.

But, as Gary explained, what was important was that everyone banded together and pushed each other on.

He said: “Everyone was going at their own pace, which was fine. I would rather they took their time and got back safely.

“The vast majority of us met in the hotel bar afterwards and had a celebration. Some were too shattered and went straight to bed, but most stayed up to celebrate. It was a really good chance for people to come together and talk about it.

“Everyone said they loved it and thought it was a fantastic challenge – I think people are keen to do something else.”

The team of shattered climbers left on Sunday morning and got back to Swindon at around 8pm that night.

Gary thanked Stratton St Margaret parish councillors and staff at Grange Leisure for their support in organising the trip.

He said: “At Stratton St Margaret we are all about promoting health and fitness in the community.”

Explaining why they chose to fundraise for Swindon Mind, a mental health charity, and CALM, which helps children diagnosed with leukemia, Gary said: “They are both important charities that mean a lot to me.

“Mind is a big part of me and I think it’s important that people know there is help out there if they need it.”

CALM was the parish council’s charity of the year last year, chosen by chairman Joe Tray.

It is not yet known how much money has been raised as donations are still trickling in, but Gary is hoping it will be in the range of a few thousand pounds.