An intrepid trio from John Lawrie Group’s Montrose operation have raised over £750 for Marie Curie Cancer Care by participating in the charity’s Whole Hog Challenge at Crathes Castle on Sunday, 27 May 2012.

Team members Craig Jessop, Paul Smith and Keith McLaren, combined a 12km run with an adventure assault course in some of the warmest temperatures that north-east Scotland has had this year. Participants had to contend with challenges such as climbing over hay bales and farm gates and crossing rivers and ditches, as well as covering the 12km distance. Fortunately all three of the team from the environmental services and metal reprocessing company, who competed under the team name ‘Men of Steel’, were up for the physical challenge.

Whole Hog Trio

“I run most lunchtimes and Paul is an ex-Marine, so he was able to prepare us for what might be in store,” says Craig. “We decided to enter the event after my wife spotted an advertisement in our local newspaper. It was great fun and we are delighted at the amount of money we have raised for a worthy cause.”

The trio are now keen to repeat the challenge next year and are also considering entering increasingly demanding events.

“We will definitely enter the Whole Hog Challenge if it runs again next year,” says Craig. “We also have our sights set on entering one of the Tough Mudder events – these are hardcore 10-12 mile obstacle courses designed by Special Forces. Watch this space!”