Published: Wednesday, 6th May, 2009 4:18pm

Kind dad on a mountain mission for school kids

by Chris Hanlon

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A BIG-HEARTED dad will climb three mountains in one day for his wee boy"s school.

Fitness fan Steve Martin has pledged to scale three of the UK"s highest peaks in just 24 hours to raise money for Newmains Primary, in Renfrew.

Steve, who is the manager of the fitness suite at the Erskine Bridge Hotel, is hoping to raise £10,000 from the stunt to pay for new school computers.

The 37-year-old, from Renfrew, said: 'It"s the school"s 40th anniversary and to celebrate I thought it would be a good opportunity to raise some cash.

'My son Josh, who is five years old, is in Primary 1 and I want to generate enough money to pay for new computers for the school, so that he and the other children can get a head start in life.

'To do this I"m doing the "three peaks challenge" where I"ll climb Mount Snowdon in Wales, Scafell Pike in England and then back up to Scotland to climb Ben Nevis - all in 24 hours.

'I"m currently looking for local people and businesses to sponsor me and help me reach my target for the school.'

Steve will be joined by assistant manager Graham Campbell, from Erskine, on the trip.

Graham, 24, will act as Steve"s driver - giving him the chance to take a well-earned nap between the climbs, which will take place on May 30 at 10am until May 31 at 10am.

Steve added: 'I"ve always wanted to do something like this and I"m glad I can help out Newmains Primary.

'I"m the only person who will be climbing on the day.

'I"ve got lots of experience and have been in training for a while so I"m hoping to knock a few hours off the standard climb times.

'Members and staff at the club have donated £1,000 so far but I"m hoping readers of The Gazette and local firms will get behind me.'

If you would like to support Steve in his mammoth climb call him on 07759326939.

Christine Donaldson, head teacher of Newmains Primary School, said: 'We are delighted that Josh"s dad has decided to take on this challenge to support the school.

'All of the pupils and staff are very proud and will be supporting him all the way.'