The Borders Barmy Army are delighted to announce our 3 Peaks Challenge! This will see us and up to 30 guests attempt to bravely conquer the 3 largest mountains in the uk in the fasted time possible!
The challenge will take place on Saturday the 28th Of July 2012, and will see the BBA and our brave participants set off in our trademark kilts from Galashiels early in the morning and be transported to Ben Nevis by Coach. After completing Ben Nevis we then take the long journey to Scafell Pike in the Lake District. We will then climb this mountain with the use of head torches. After we complete this mountain, we will have a well earned rest as we travel down to Wales to take on the final Mountain, Snowdon! After completing the 3rd and Final Mountain we will hold a short Prize Giving, take team Photos and record our official time and enjoy the celebration before a leisurely journey back to the Scottish Borders.
During the challenge we will receive expert support as Lake District based company Distant Horizons will guide us up and down the mountains and will help to ensure all of us complete the challenge. To assist Distant Horizons some of the Borders Barmy Army will also be undergoing mountain first aid, mountaineering and other training courses to ensure everyone’s safety throughout the challenge.
We are offering the 3 peaks challenge at an extremely competitive price. We are now accepting Registrations so please get in touch if your ready to take on this once in a lifetime challenge! On Sign up you will receive a welcome pack that includes great incentives including discounts from The North Face, Mountain Warehouse, Tiso Edinburgh plus a great offer on training from Borders Sport and Leisure Trust. The Price to take part in the BBA 3 Peak Challenge is £120(To be paid by 1st of April) plus a minimum Sponsorship of £300 per person. We are asking people to pay a £50 deposit now against the minimum sponsorship upon registration. This will be refunded after you have paid your minimum £300 sponsorship.
We are also asking participants to pay 50 percent of the sponsorship 1 month before the event, this is to ensure maximum funds are raised for Borders Macmillan Cancer Support, with every penny raised STAYING IN THE BORDERS! The Borders Barmy Army will be able to provide expert advice on how to raise the sponsorship and there will be opportunities to fundraise with the Borders Barmy Army. We will provide ideas and tips in the welcome packs but will also offer participants as much support and guidance as possible to help reach their targets.
Included in the price is :-
Full Transport. We are delighted to team up with Telfords of Newcastleton for this!
Expert guides to ensure our safe completion of the challenge, again we are delighted to Team up with Distant Horizons who will be our guides on the mountains.
The BBA are now an official Macmillan fundraising Board. This means that every penny raised will go to LOCAL MACMILLAN services!
A chance to be part of the Borders Barmy Army and take part in an extremely rewarding event.
Water and light refreshments (Participants will be required to provide their own meals)
Training Program when signing up for a membership at Borders Sports & Leisure Trust.
Special Discounts from The North Face, Mountain Warehouse and Tiso!
We are also looking for an official sponsors to help cover the costs of the Transport, guides and food for the event.
This is a once in a life time opportunity to take part in an incredible endurance event with the Borders Barmy Army! This will be an experience you will never forget!
We are offering this challenge to 30 participants in a controlled and safe way, with a professional company, comfortable transport, the chance to be part of a large team the Borders Barmy for one day, and raise vital funds for local charity!
ITINERARY
Saturday 28th of July 2012 3 Peaks Challenge.
Sat 13:00 – Leave Central Location in Galashiels for Ben Nevis
Sat 17:00 – Welcome Ceremony, introduction to guides and CLIMB BEN NEVIS
Sun 00:00 – Travel to Scafell Pike, we will transfer onto a minibus for the last few miles.
Sun 05:00 – CLIMB SCAFELL PIKE
Sun 10:00 – Travel Back to the coach and the travel to Snowdon.
Sun 15:00 – CLIMB SNOWDON
Sun 20:00 – Congratulations!!!!! Small ceremony and leisurely journey back to the Scottish borders. We hope to return by 05:00 on Monday Morning.
Friend of the BBA Brian Gibson held a fund raising night in Penicuik to help raise money for the family of his friend who was killed in Spain at the in October 2011. The money raised on this night was to help them with the costs of flying the body back and legal costs.
The night was held at Shottstown Miners Welfare club on Friday the 2nd of December including a very successful auction and over £6000 was raised. The Borders Barmy Army are delighted to have helped out at the very difficult time for the family.
BBA Twins Completed the New York Marathon for Macmillan Cancer Support
We did it!!!
This was undauntedly the best thing we have ever done!
On the 6th of November we were lucky enough to be 2 of 79 UK runners to run the New York City Marathon representing Macmillan Cancer Support!
We would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who sponsored us, Kelso Races, R.P. Adams, David Johnson and Border Sports & Leisure Trust, everyone who logged on to Asics Support your runner and sent us motivation messages that we got at mile 22 of the marathon especially Rachel, Louise and the BBA Boys and to Macmillan Cancer Support for supporting us and for being such fantastic hosts while we were in New York!
The marathon was a tremendous experience, the weather was fantastic, 2.5 million people turned out to cheer on the runners, they screamed every inch of the 26.2 miles for the twins in their kilts, this has brought the current campaign to an end and we are extremely excited to now be focusing on the BBA 3 Peaks Challenge! If you would like to take part please click this link http://www.bordersbarmyarmy.com/events/2012-bba-3-peaks-challe
A special mention has to go to Big Brian Gibson who battled and overcame injury during the marathon and fought his heart out to reach the finnish line, and also to Kev and Paddy! Our fellor Scotmen! Who were fantastic company and and an honour to run with in New york! Well done guys, a fantastic achievement!!!
IF YOU EVER DO A MARATHON, DO LONDON OR NEW YORK ………………………. AWESOME!!!!
Kaye Niven of 5 Star Taxis, Galashiels receives the winners trophy with her 2 "horse ends" who ran a fantastic race. Kaye donated the £100 winner's prize back to BGH Macmillan.
We were delighted to team up with Kelso Races for the third time and run the Borders Barmy Army National Pantomime Horse Race 2011. The race was held to raise funds for the BGH Macmillan Centre and took place on Saturday 15th October 2011.
R.P. Adam Ltd kindly sponsored our race for the second year in a row! Plus many of the previous year’s horse sponsors also returned. We are taking 30 guests on the 3 peaks challenge in May 2012 and this was the firsy of many events to help raise funds for the very important Macmillan Centre at the Borders General Hospital, Melrose.
We have set ourselves a target of £10,00 and our pantomime horse race has raised a fantastic £3000. We would like to extend a huge thank you to all Kelso Races race-goers and staff who donated to our cause and, of course, to our race sponsor R.P. Adam and all our horse sponsors as listed below. And also thanks to Kelso Races to supporting our mad and fun event.
The winning horse was 5 Star Taxis of Galashiels who had his work cut out to finish just ahead of the 2nd placed Bertram Macmillan and 3rd place Borders Sport and Leisure horses (ed: Trades Description Act may need to be consulted on that one though!) who finished together needing a photo finish to separate the two.
Watch the build-up and finale of our fantastic race now.
Thanks all our sponsors for their generous donations to our BGH Macmillan Centre appeal.
1. Arpal Magic (R P Adam)
R.P.Adam Ltd are a leading Cleaning Chemical Manufacture based within the Scottish Borders. We supply a wide range of cleaning products to a diverse sector of businesses and hope that “Arpal Magic” cleans-up today! www.rpadam.co.uk
2. Red Rum (Reiver Recruitment)
Based in Galashiels and Berwick, Reiver Recruitment works with local employers to supply quality temporary and permanent staff. We provide professional and support-level staffing in all areas. 01896 750553
3. Golden Miller (J & J Tait)
With no job too big or too small, let us carry out all your painting and decorating needs. From paint effects and wallpapering for the home to professional signwriting for shops and businesses. We do it all. Established since 1960. 01835 822345
4. Ken’s Stag Do
Ken is a mature thoroughbred (old and skinny) stallion. Fortunately still ungelded, he has finally been broken in by the lovely filly, Rebecca. Getting married on October 29th this is the ginger steed’s final gallop for freedom.
5. Papillon (Five Star Taxis)
Taxi company providing a Five Star service in the borders for over 10 years, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. 01896 756789
6. Bindaree (Borders Sport and Leisure Trust)
Leisure trust providing fitness leisure facilities throughout the Scottish Borders. Helping to get borderers more active more often. www.bslt.org.uk
7. Lord Gyllene (Central Gas Services & Queens Head, Kelso)
Central Gas Services can help you with your new central heating systems from the installation to repairs. We have a high reputation among all our customers for our high standard of work. At the Queens Head Hotel, you will find a warm and friendly welcome in this family run establishment. Whether looking for a relaxing holiday, weekend break, or a memorable meal, the Queens Head Hotel will provide you with the perfect setting. www.borderscentralheating.co.uk and www.queensheadhotelkelso.com
8. Minniehoma (A1 Aerials, Melrose)
At A1 Aerials we pride ourselves on delivering quality aerials and satellite solutions at affordable prices. We cater for both the domestic and commercial markets. If it involves an aerial or satellite or even both, A1 Aerials has the solution for you. www.a1aerials.tv
9. Rubstic (Grant Buchan painter, Galashiels)
A painting and decorating service based in Galashiels with a quality finish for the Scottish Borders and beyond. 07790771312
10. Bertram Macmillan
Macmillan Cancer Support horse supported by the Bertram family. Macmillan believe everyone should be entitled to the best cancer treatment and support,wherever they are. If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just someone to talk to, call free 0808 808 00 00.
11. Comply or Die (Grove Bedding, Galashiels)
Grove Bedding family run business est 1964, one of Scotlands most prestigious suppliers and manufacturers of high-quality mattresses, beds and frames. Not only do we supply beds & mattresses through out our shops we also supply to the hotels, guest houses, hospitals and letting agencies. www.grovebedding.com - Current Champions!
12. Party Politics (W Hislop Flooring Services, Jedburgh & Melrose)
Come to us for accurate planning and professional laying of a wide range of floor coverings, with carpets, vinyl, laminates etc in a myriad of designs used in a wide variety of interiors. Visit our new shop “Flooring @twelve by W. Hislop” in Melrose 01896 823353. Also in Jedburgh.
13. English Raider (SCO) (Mr & Mrs Smith)
The English Raider is trained south of the border and has been aimed at this race all year. We train in a small yard in South Yorkshire and feed all our horses on the Equine Food of Champions – a mixture of good quality meal, syrup of figs, Guinness and concentrated prune juice for added propulsion.
The trainers are a little concerned that the front end of the horse will be putting up a stone overweight but they are assured that this is ‘all muscle’. The horse has agreed to give all prize money to Macmillan Cancer Support.
14. Dobbin (Borders Barmy Army)
The Borders Barmy Army is a group of people who live in the Scottish Borders who do daft and difficult challenges for charity in our trademark kilts. We have now launched our new campaign that will see us and 30 participants take on the 3 peaks challenge in our trademark kilts in May 2012. We will be fundraising for the Borders Macmillan Unit at the Borders General Hospital. To find out how to join us in our 3 peaks challenge or to sponsor us please visit www.bordersbarmyarmy.com
15. Hedgehunter (Slice of Lime)
Sliceoflime.net is a small web design and development IT company based in the beautiful rolling hills of the Scottish Borders. With over 10+ years of experience working within IT we have the ability and professionalism to deliver on all your web and IT requirements. www.sliceoflime.net
16. Ballabriggs (AVcomms Scotland Ltd)
AVcomms strives to become market leaders in consultancy, design and installation of multimedia and communications technologies. With over 15 years experience, AVcomms can provide your business and residential alike with a cost effective and professional service. www.avcommsltd.com
See how much fun our inaugural race in 2009 was below.
4 intrepid BBA members became Fire Fighters for a day at the Scottish International Fire Training Centre in Edinburgh. We raised £915 to help raise funds for the very worthwhile Fire Fighters charity.
The day was absolutely fantastic with us learning how to fight fires, search for and rescue casualties, use breathing apparatus and work as a highly disciplined team. After learning all about these vital tasks, we put it all into practice on “The ship”, the dedicated structure used for fire simulation exercises. To say the adrenaline was pumping would be an understatement.
We, in Britain, rely on the bravery, honesty and specialised knowledge of all the emergency services and the Borders Barmy Army wanted to support a charity which helps Fire Service personnel.
We have came away with a greater appreciation of what it means to be a fire fighter in the UK and respect even more, if that was possible, the dedication, integrity, skill and disciplne of the people who make up our Fire Service.
Have you completed this challenge? Want to wish us luck? Contact us here, we’d love to hear from you.
The Fire Fighters charity. is the UK’s leading provider of services that enhance quality of life for serving and retired fire service personnel and their families. We’re available for all members of the fire service community during their times of need, assisting thousands of individuals every year by providing pioneering treatment and support services.
Borders Barmy Army nominated to carry the Olympic torch 2012 with Bank of Scotland.
We are absolutely delighted to have been nominated to represent the Scottish Borders and carry the olympic torch on it’s journey around the UK in preparation for the London Olympics 2012. This is a direct result of our continued dedication to raise as much money as possible for both local and national charities. Should we be successful, we will be running in our trademark Kilts.
Nominated by Kevin Janiak, you can view our offical Bank of Scotland nomination here and, if you feel inspired, please let everyone know.
We would be absolutely honoured to carry the torch, in our kilts, to say thank you to the local people who have constantly supported and sponsored us, to honour the charities we have raised money for and as a tribute to our friends and families.
Our nomination has been accepted and we will find out if we have been shortlisted in October 2011 so please keep your fingers crossed for us.
We are currently seeking sponsors for our Mascot mile pantomime horse race at Kelso Races Sat Aug 15, visit here for more info.
You can get in touch using our Contact page, we’d love to hear from you.
We spent Sunday 21st of August running on a treadmill between 11am and 6pm at Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre in Edinburgh and, as usual, ran in our Kilts!!!
We are delighted to say that, due to the generosity of all shoppers on the day, we raised £755.10. So, thank you to everyone who donated to our cause and a special thank you to Ocean Terminal for allowing us to fund raise in this fun and unusual way. Plenty of photographs were taken by customers and tourists alike and some new friends were made. Keep coming back to our website or Follow us on Facebook for more up and coming events.
This was part of our fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support and our challenge to run London, Loch Ness and New York marathons this year!
After Steve and Mikey’s sensational performance at London Marathon 2011, we have extended our current campaign for Macmillan Cancer Support!
In October, the Borders Barmy Army’s Very own Steve Mellor, Paul Mellor and Chris Howden will be taking on the Loch Ness Marathon. Then finally, in November, the Borders Barmy Army Twins, Lee and Liam Myers will be taking on the New York City Marathon in their Kilts.
During this marathon challenge we have so far raised over £12,500 for a very worthy cause.
