Ex-Celtic footballer John Hartson is bringing more than 50 supporters, dubbed Hartson’s heroes, to town to climb Ben Nevis and raise funds for his cancer charity this weekend.
This year sees the John Hartson Foundation – set up following the former striker’s life threatening battle with testicular cancer – celebrate its fifth birthday and will be the fifth time John has tackled the mountain.
The 40-year-old said last year’s trek would be his last but supporters’ enthusiasm persuaded him to return.
His wife Sarah, who is originally from Spean Bridge, is also taking part in the BraveHart Ben Nevis Challenge. The couple are regular visitors to the area, home of Sarah’s parents Katherine and James McManus.
The ex-Celtic star spent a lot of time there as he recovered from his gruelling treatment for testicular cancer, which had spread to his lungs and brain, in 2009. Inspired by the beautiful Highland landscape, he pledged to scale Ben Nevis when he was well.
On July 14 2010 – exactly a year after he was fighting for life and on his daughter Lina’s second birthday, John made his dream come true and completed the first BraveHart Challenge, with 70 supporters, raising thousands of pounds for his Foundation.
This year’s walk takes place on Saturday (July 25).
John, who also starred for Arsenal, West Ham and Wales, said: “The BraveHart Ben Nevis Challenge has become one of our flagship events. Although I said last year would be the last time I went up the Ben, the feedback from all those fantastic supporters who came along persuaded me that we should come back again this year.
“I’d like to thank everyone for coming and look forward to a great weekend raising funds and awareness of testicular cancer.”
John is now passionate about encouraging men to self-check for any worrying symptoms of testicular cancer and launched the Foundation’s #knowyourballs campaign at the charity’s annual golf day at Mar Hall Golf and Spa resort, Glasgow, on April 21 this year.
As a father-of-five, John is also passionate about helping children and the charity raises funds to help support people with cancer and their families at the most difficult time in their lives.
John Hartson Foundation donations to date include £50,000 to Yorkhill Children’s Charity, Glasgow, £50,000 to Children’s Hospice Association Scotland’s Robin House, Balloch and £35,000 to the Maggie’s cancer caring organisations in Scotland and Wales.