A TEAM of “plodders” from ScotAsh at Longannet Power Station is taking part in a 50km endurance challenge for charity.

They’re set to tackle the Trossachs Plod on 22nd August, they’ll need to use torches as it starts at midnight, to raise funds for Action Medical Research for Children.

Employees Ross MacNicol, Peter Goodwin, Louis Caine and Ross Cameron, with Jim Donnelly and Karen Seivwright as support crew, will put the cash towards vital research to help babies and children suffering from traumatic health problems.

Ross MacNicol, a member of the ScotAsh production team, said, “This 31 mile walk around the Trossachs appealed to us, as we felt it would be a real challenge and we could raise funds for a worthwhile cause. Action Medical Research is a children’s charity that helps with a number of conditions including cerebral palsy, epilepsy, ADHD and ataxia to name a few.

“We chose this event as we all have kids in our lives and we know the importance of a good lifestyle, which walking contributes to.

“I am really looking forward to the challenge of the Trossachs Plod, we have been training hard to make sure we can complete this gruelling event.” Starting at midnight in Aberfoyle by torchlight, the trek follows a circular route through the Trossachs and is designed to push the teams to the limits of their endurance, with the challenge – over mountainous terrain – taking up to 15 hours to complete.

Ross Cameron, who works in ScotAsh’s laboratory, said, “I’ve always donated to sponsored charity events but never actually taken part in anything physically until now – bring it on!” ScotAsh, a joint venture between Scottish Power and Lafarge Tarmac, turns ash from the power station at Longannet into environmentally-friendly construction products such as cements and grouts.

The Kincardine-based team raised over £2000 when they climbed Ben Nevis for charity a few years back, a sum they’re hoping to surpass this time.

Action Medical Research offers hope to thousands of families who are dealing with the trauma of a baby born too early, striving to support a child affected by disability, or facing the challenge of caring for a child with a rare and devastating disease, for which there is no cure.

Right now the best medical minds in children’s hospitals and universities across the UK are waiting for the green light to start research that could lead to life-changing treatments for babies and children. They just need the funding.