This Sunday – August 27, 2023 – past, present, and future members of Lower Nithsdale YFC will be climbing Criffel in Dumfries and Galloway but with a twist, and that is assisting Ian Burgess to reach the top with the use of a cart.

Having farmed at Maryfield in New Abbey, Dumfries, at the bottom of Criffel, for 57 years, the iconic landmark is something Ian always wanted to climb. However, in 2014 he was diagnosed with Parkinson, having struggled for five years previously with the disease.

Son, Stuart, is vice president of Lower Nithsdale YFC: "I was at a meeting when they were trying to think of fundraising ideas, originally it was going to be a cycle, but we didn't think this was very fitting or challenging.

"So asked Dad if there was a way of getting him up Criffel would he be up for it. He agreed and my wife, Angie suggested a horse cart. So there we had it!."

The Burgess family has already held an open farm day, in which they raised £13,273 for the same charity.

If you wish to donate to the cause: www.justgiving.com/page/lower-nithsdale-yfc-push-and-pull-parkinsons