Fitness group’s challenge to climb East Lomond on hands and feet like bears

A group of around eight members of the WildStrong Falkland fitness community are taking on an unusual challenge — bear crawling more than a mile up East Lomond to raise money for their coach.

They will attempt the climb on Sunday, March 29, crawling from Falkland village to the summit of East Lomond, tackling more than 1,000 feet of elevation entirely on their hands and feet.

The challenge is being organised to support Lynne Ogilvie-Niven, WildStrong Falkland coach and Well Gutsy founder, who was diagnosed with a genetic heart condition which progressed to atrial fibrillation in December 2025 .

While medication has helped manage the condition, it has caused significant side effects. A specialist procedure called cryo-pulmonary vein isolation could treat the condition, but the treatment costs around £18,000. The group hopes to raise at least £1,000 towards the cost.

One of the members said: “Lynne spends a lot of her time pushing us to get stronger and fitter, so this felt like the perfect way to give something back. Crawling up East Lomond will be tough, but if it helps Lynne get the treatment she needs and back to full health, it will be worth it.”

Lynne said:

“Being part of the WildStrong community means so much to me, and the support everyone has shown over the past few months has been incredible. I’m so grateful to everyone taking on this challenge to help me get the treatment I need.”

Supporters can donate via the group’s fundraising page to help Lynne access the treatment. More details at https://www.facebook.com/WildStrongFalkland/