An inspirational Kilmarnock man who was told he would never be able to walk will tackle Ben Nevis for the second time this summer.
Taylor Cree look set to scale the UK’s highest mountain on behalf of Bobath Scotland, a cerebral palsy (CP) charity, two years to the day after quitting drink for good.
The Shortlees man was born with cerebral palsy and wants to raise as much money as possible for the Bobath organisation.
Speaking to the Standard, the 26-year-old said: “I don’t have a target of how much money I want to raise. I want to raise as much as possible.
East Ayrshire suicide levels doubled during 2018
“If I say I want to raise £2000 and reach it I’ll want more. I’ll want £3000.
“So as much as possible would be amazing. Every penny helps.”
Taylor had planned to carry out his walk early last month but this was put on hold due to some planning issues.
Around the time he was due to go three people were killed by an avalanche on the mountain.
“It was really lucky we didn’t go at the beginning of the month with that avalanche happening,” reflected Taylor.
Kilmarnock man threatened to blow head off ex-partner's new boyfriend
“The plans being cancelled were a blessing in disguise because I was supposed to be up there when that happened.”
Motivated Taylor is now going to carry out his walk in June
“I’m tying it in with being two years sober,” he admitted.
“I’m now a recovered alcoholic.
“I had been drinking since I was 15 and I have packed it in. I actually climbed Ben Nevis about five weeks after being sober. It was great.
“So now I want to mark being sober and raise money for an amazing charity that helps people with cerebral palsy.”
Kilmarnock skies turn purple for Codey Brown as friends pay tribute to tragic teenager
Bobath Scotland provides specialist therapy to people with cerebral palsy in Scotland. It was founded in 1995.
What makes the charity walk even more amazing is when Taylor was little, he was told he would never walk.
“Well look at me now,” he grinned. “I can and I’m going to walk Ben Nevis.
“I’m one of the lucky ones. I only have mild CP and I managed to beat my addiciton.
“A lot of people don’t manage that and are a lot worse off than me.
Flooding at Kilmarnock charity shop costs thousands of pounds worth of damage
“But I’m desperate to go. The Prince’s Trust is helping with transport but I’d love to raise as much as possible between now and June so I have sponsor sheets all around Shortlees, in the pub and the wee shops and stuff so hopefully people will donate.
“But I’m not even collecting the money until I’ve done the walk.
“I really want to raise loads.”
Anyone who wants to sponsor Taylor can email taylorcree67@gmail.com or find sponsor sheets in the Shortlees area and Kilmarnock Standard office.
