Michael (75) is on his way to'¨St Andrews

Tomorrow 75-year-old Michael Anderson will be travelling to Iona to begin an incredible 215 mile trek across Scotland.
Michael Anderson with daughter Fiona. Picture: Michael GillenMichael Anderson with daughter Fiona. Picture: Michael Gillen
Michael Anderson with daughter Fiona. Picture: Michael Gillen

This mammoth distance sounds difficult enough for most, but when you add in the fact that Michael is blind and deaf and it seems almost impossible.

However, impossible tasks have never slowed Michael down in his fundraising attempts.

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In the past year the Larbert grandad of four has swam, cycled and ran a triathlon and completed a 6.55km road race.

Michael has been pushing himself, and his family, to their physical limits all in the name of charity.

He is trying to raise £10,000 for DeafBlind Scotland to help the charity build a new centre for deaf and blind people costing £1.5 million.

His latest expedition will see him and a small team of helpers, including his daughter and daughter-in-law, trek across Scotland from May 5 to May 22.

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Michael said: “This hike will certainly take me out of my comfort zone.”

Being blind and deaf Michael will rely on his team to help him traverse the difficult terrain. Daughter-in-law Nina Smirnoff explained the difficulties facing Michael.

She said: “Going up hill he tends to roll with the terrain and take the occasional knock, however going down steep hills is more challenging and he has to slow down to take our feedback on board before taking his next step.”

Anyone wishing to sponsor Michael can do so through justgiving.com/michaelsway.