04-06-2012, 03:42 PM
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Beacon lit on summit of Ben Nevis
A team of injured service personnel are among a group climbing Ben Nevis to light a beacon in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.The 52-man team, who are taking part in the Help for Heroes Jubilee Challenge, include 12 people from the Personnel Recovery Centre in Edinburgh.
They are due to set off from Fort William at 17:00, lighting the beacon on the summit at 22:30.
The beacon is one of 4,200 being lit in the Queen's honour across the globe.
The wounded soldiers will also be joined by volunteers from RAF Kinloss Mountain Rescue Team, as well as service men and women from across the UK.
Six RAF volunteers will carry the gas canisters and the beacon up the mountain.
Among those travelling with the RAF volunteers is 31-year-old David Timmins from Neilston in East Renfrewshire.
He was caught in an IED explosion in Helmand Province in Afghanistan in 2009. Since then he has been in recovery after losing an eye and suffering paralysis down one side of his body.
He said: "I was actually signed out of the army because of my injuries last week and doing this was may last chance to do something with the army.
"I'm determined to do it. Being fit keeps me going and kept me alive after the explosion.
"This is a great thing to focus on. We've not had a Diamond Jubilee for some time and won't have another in my lifetime so it's a great chance for me."
Star-studded
The local Help for Heroes county co-ordinator, Dianne McLeish, said: "I am delighted to be taking part in such a memorable historic event.
"Whilst I am looking forward to climbing with the team, I am a bit apprehensive as there is still snow on 'The Ben' at the moment, but it will be a great challenge - a once in a lifetime opportunity."
All of the UK's beacons are due to be lit between 22:00 and 22:30.
The Queen will end the ceremony by lighting the National Beacon in London after a star-studded concert to mark the Diamond Jubilee.
About 12,000 people are expected at Buckingham Palace for the event. The concert is also being broadcast on BBC Big Screens around the UK, including one in Festival Square in Edinburgh.
Steven Reilly, screen producer in Edinburgh, said: "The Diamond Jubilee weekend is about people coming together in celebration, and a highlight will be our screening of the concert on Monday evening.
"A front row seat is guaranteed - right in the heart of Edinburgh. If you don't have a ticket for Buckingham Palace then this will be the next best thing."
04-06-2012, 03:57 PM
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Re: Beacon lit on summit of Ben Nevis
I hope they all make it without problems.I find it humbling and reason to pause for thought when brave people like these take on such feats ...
05-06-2012, 12:34 PM
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Re: Beacon lit on summit of Ben Nevis
Well done lads, what an achievement!
http://m.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-...lands-18323359
05-06-2012, 04:03 PM
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Re: Beacon lit on summit of Ben Nevis
In Pictures, Some of Scotlands Jubilee Beacons.http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-18329716
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