Big Davy clocks up care miles

Big Davy Ballantyne has already raised an incredible £9,000 for the Samaritans - and his barrel challenge is not due to finish until today (Friday).

 

Barring injury, the strongman will complete the final leg of his 70-mile walk round the island carrying a 50kg - eight stone - whisky barrel on his back at Kildonan, where he started.

 

After nine days, Davy was forced to take a break due to injury and his return to work as groundsman at the new Lagg Distillery.

 

But he was back on his quest last Saturday, walking from Laggan to North Sannox and feeling refreshed after his break. Sunday saw him reach Corrie and by Monday he was in Brodick and by Tuesday in Lamlash.

 

But he admitted: 'I had to take breaks quite often because of my calf muscle being sore. If the calf doesn't get worse, we should be finishing by Friday.'

 

Davy is raising money and awareness of the Samaritans, which is facing a funding crisis due to the pressure on their services in these most difficult of times, and have launched an emergency appeal.

 

Anyone who wishes to donate can do so at: hhtps://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/davy-ballantyne3

 

All photographs by Fraser Aitchison