In January 2024 we talked to BBC Scotland’s political editor about his decision to tackle the Munros in the face of a terminal brain cancer diagnosis. Two years on, Glenn Campbell brings us up to date on those twin challenges:
Ever since I was diagnosed with incurable brain cancer three years ago, Scotland’s mountains have become part of my therapy. Not an official prescription – just some self-medication that helps keep me fit and lifts my spirits.
Within weeks of emergency surgery to remove as much of my tumour as possible, I climbed my first Munro in a long time. It was one of those that is often recommended for beginners – Ben Chonzie in Perthshire. I was with my wife Claire and our friends Angus and Pauline. Setting out that day, I had no idea if I would be able to complete the climb or have to turn back because the effort was too much after such a big operation. It was exhilarating to reach the summit, breathe mountain air and take in the stunning views. I felt so alive.
That was the beginning of my personal challenge – to climb all 282 Munros, ideally by the end of 2028. That may seem like nothing to those who run up and down them all the time or to those who are already on their second or third round. But this is a big undertaking for me, as someone who is living with a brain tumour and has yet to regain my driving licence which had to be given up following diagnosis.
Things got off to a slow start because of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and problems with seizures which have since been brought under control. By January last year, I was celebrating the completion of Munro number 10 – Meall Ghaordaidh in the snow.
A friend pointed out that simple arithmetic showed that even if I did one a week I would fall well short of my target. That was a good point. I would need to pick up the pace considerably and stretch to doing more than one Munro at a time.
Things have progressed a lot since then. I have become fitter, stronger and more energised as the effects of intensive treatment have eased. I have had incredible support from more climbing partners than I can mention but would like to offer particular thanks to Mark Sutherland, Jez and Sarah Edwards, Pauline Paton and Angus Reid.
Without them, the mountains would be far less accessible to me. I have managed one on my own – taking the train to and from Achnasheen for Fionn Bheinn. I was excited to complete Munros 88-90 on Beinn a’ Ghlò in early May this year and have kept climbing since then. Weather and health permitting there should be no shortage of opportunities to get out on the hills over the summer.
As someone who lives in East Lothian, the potential for day trips is reducing as I have now completed many of the mountains closest to the central belt. My wife and I have recently invested in a camper van to increase our range and make longer trips easier to manage. As this challenge has developed, I have become less focussed on the numbers. Yes, I am still counting but on some climbs it is barely mentioned. Increasingly, each outing is more about the experience, enjoying the natural environment and the company I am with.
I love seeing red deer, mountain hares, ptarmigan, snow buntings and the delicate flowers that have adapted to life in Scotland’s highlands. For me, this is a wonderful way to spend time, stay active and keep a clear head.
The last thing I worry about up a mountain is when my tumour will start to grow again. I know that it will – at some point. But that need not be any time soon. I am extremely lucky to have a form of brain cancer that tends to respond better to treatment than most others.
For too many people with cancerous brain tumours, the reality is very different. According to Cancer Research UK, around half of us don’t live for more than a year beyond diagnosis. That is why more research into potential treatments is so important.
And that is why my Munro challenge is not just for myself. I am also climbing to raise awareness of this condition and to raise funds for more research. As part of the Brain Power fundraising community, I am supporting the work of the new Brain Tumour Research centre at the universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow.
You can get involved too by taking part in the Brain Power Munro Challenge 2026. We are trying to get as many people on as many Munro summits as possible on the weekend of Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th August.
Some people are supporting us by climbing smaller hills and others may choose to take part virtually. You don’t even have to be in Scotland. We had about 250 people in 60 teams on around 80 summits for a similar event last summer, raising £30,000. If you are interested in getting involved this time and would like more details, please click this link. Our team will be in touch with more details.
Claire and I have yet to choose our Munros for this year’s challenge which coincides with both our wedding anniversary and the anniversary of my brain surgery. I think this year, wherever we climb, we’ll raise a summit toast to my incredible neurosurgeon Paul Brennan. The debt I owe him can never be repaid but when I take to the mountains I hope he can see that I am trying to make the most of the new lease of life he has given me.
Request details on the Brain Power Munro Challenge
Glenn Campbell is fundraising for Brain Tumour Research
