This September, local Landlord and Nith Inshore Rescue volunteer crew member Jamie Milligan is taking on a challenge unlike any other – a brutal test of physical and mental endurance to raise vital funds for Nith Inshore Rescue. The Everest Challenge on Criffel – A Test of Endurance, Grit and Determination
Starting Tuesday, 23rd September 2025, Jamie will attempt to summit and descend the 569 metres of Criffel – more than 16 times in just four days. Why? To scale the combined height of Mount Everest – and more. That’s 9,120m of ascent and descent, all on foot, while carrying the full weight of his operational lifeboat kit. This is the same kit he wears when he’s called out to real-life emergencies, often in the worst conditions imaginable.
Each lap involves a punishing 570m climb and descent, covering a total distance of over 70 miles on rugged terrain. And there’s no warm bed at the end of each day – Jamie will be wild camping throughout the challenge, relying on sheer resilience, preparation, and grit.
Training has already begun. Jamie is pushing his fitness and stamina to the limit to ensure he’s ready to face what will be an exhausting, punishing, and relentless few days on the hill – all in support of an incredible cause.
Jamie says:
“I know this is going to be one of the toughest things I’ve ever done – both physically and mentally – but I’m genuinely excited for the challenge. Climbing and descending Criffel over 16 times, carrying the full weight of my lifeboat kit, is going to push me to my absolute limits.
I’ve already started training and I’m throwing everything I’ve got into getting ready. There’ll be long days, sore legs, wild camping, and no home comforts – but that’s the point. It’s about digging deep and doing something difficult for a cause that really matters.
Nith Inshore Rescue means a lot to me. We’re an independent team of volunteers, always on call, and we rely completely on donations to keep going. Every single pound raised will help us stay ready to respond when someone needs us most.”
Nith Inshore Rescue is an independent, volunteer-run search and rescue charity. They’re always on call – day or night – and are often the difference between life and death, wholly operated by a team of highly trained and professionally equipped volunteers. Your support will help save lives.
Nith Inshore Rescue is not linked to the RNLI and need to raise all their own funds in order to run. Approx. £35K per year.
Our mission is “To protect and save lives, and when life is lost do everything we can to recover loved ones for those who are experiencing loss”.
Please support Jamie and help save lives by donating whatever you can by Clicking HERE
