A TEAM of 20 from the Commercial Inn Annan will walk up Criffel next week in aid of charity.
Customers, staff members and members of the public will be taking on the climb next Wednesday, August 14, to raise funds for The Stillbirth and Neonatal Society (SANDS).
Pub landlord John Steel said: “Back in 1981, my wife and I lost our son at one month old. It was a hard time for us but we just had to deal with it.
“In 2009, my son and daughter-in-law’s daughter was stillborn.
“We were told about SANDS and contacted them. They sent someone round straight away to speak to my daughter-in-law who was having a hard time coming to terms with the loss.
“All SANDS volunteers have experienced the loss of a baby or similar circumstances.
“The volunteers were brilliant and helped her a lot. I always said I would do something for them.”
He added: “A few weeks ago one of my staff suggested climbing Criffel in aid of SANDS and it took off from there.
“It started with four staff doing it, but after posting on our Facebook page we had customers and members of the public coming in to ask if they could do it with us.
“At the moment there are 20 people doing the challenge. I don’t think 20 will make it to the top, but it’s all about the challenge.”
Sponsor forms and collection tins are behind the bar for anyone who wishes to donate.
The climbers will also be wearing arm bands as they make their way up the hill.
Anyone who has lost a baby and would like their name put on an armband in remembrance can call into the pub, give the name and make a small donation to SANDS.
