Ross is taking on a mountain of a challenge

Ahead of World Down’s Syndrome Day on March 21 the charity has been encouraging people to raise money by doing #21in21 challenges.

Ross Cunningham, who took up the activity to help combat depression and previously appeared in the Gazette after featuring in a film about his experiences, decided to take up the challenge.

He decided to support Down’s Syndrome Scotland after being inspired by a man with the condition while working for a Fife MP.

Ross said: “Down’s Syndrome Scotland is the only charity in Scotland dedicated solely to supporting people with Down’s Syndrome and their carers.

“The charity put a call out for people to take on a challenge around the theme of doing 21 challenges in 21 days; I’m out most weekends hiking so thought I would answer the call and take on 21 Scottish mountains in three weeks.

“I’m counting a mountain as anything over 2000 feet high in altitude and is considered to be a Munro, Corbett, Graham or Donald - so it unfortunately rules out smaller, local hills like the Lomonds or the Pentlands.

“I made a short film about someone from Fife called Tom with Down’s Syndrome when I was working for Dunfermline and West Fife MP Douglas Chapman.

“Tom is one of the most positive, friendliest and inspiring people I have ever met. He is someone who lives an independent and fun-filled life and contributes to his community by volunteering at a local charity shop on a weekly basis.

“Down’s Syndrome Scotland do a great amount of work helping people with Down’s Syndrome achieve their potential and challenges like the one I am undertaking will help to raise more funds for a truly great cause.

“Even though I enjoy hiking, taking on 21 mountains is a big ask, but I’m confident I can complete the challenge by March 21.

“The number of donations I’ve received so far is giving me the motivation to keep going and hike all 21 mountains.”

To support Ross visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ross-cunningham-hike.