THREE adventurers went the distance to raise £7,000 and fulfill their late friend's wish.

The trio of wayfaring pals embarked on the gruelling Stevenson Way and their efforts were rewarded with a huge sum of donations.

They carried out the 235-mile wilderness walk in memory of Douglas (Dougie) Walker, who passed away earlier this year before he could take on the route.

He was a prolific fundraiser for CHAS and the £7,067 has been gifted to the charity.

Stuart Kennedy, from Dunfermline, was one of the men who carried out the trek in September, and he was proud of their accomplishments.

He said: "It was an experience, walking through incredible scenery with incredible friends.

"A very tough, emotional week but a privilege to be able to raise the funds we have."

Along with Neil Winstanley and Witold Gawlikowicz, Stuart completed the challenge in the seven days they assigned themselves and averaged one-and-a-half marathons a day.

They endured exhaustion, food poisoning and severely bruised limbs and by the end, they had ascended the equivalent of Mount Everest in a week.

The daunting route had initially been suggested by Dougie, who sadly died after being struck by a lorry on the A823 between the M90 and Queensferry Road in February.

The Stevenson Way, which weaves across the heart of Scotland, is based on real historical events depicted in the Robert Louis Stevenson classic, Kidnapped.

Stuart and his mates ran, hiked and crawled from Erraid, a tidal island off Mull, all the way to Edinburgh.

Carrying all their own equipment and sleeping in nature, they achieved their mission and the charity were delighted with their efforts.

Fiona Leslie, community fundraiser for CHAS, said: “We were really touched when Neil, Stuart and Witold came to us with this idea to see through their friend Dougie’s wish.

"It has turned into a phenomenal tribute and it felt good to see Neil and Stuart on board the Rachel House pirate ship with their fists in the air at the end of the challenge!

"We owe their inspirational group a debt of gratitude for all the physical and psychological hurdles they overcame.

"All proceeds that the guys raised will go towards the sustainability of care that CHAS gives to so many babies, children, young people and their families, whether it’s dedicated nursing, a week of respite, a simple meal or a hydrotherapy session."