A duo are to take on a leg-breaking hike in memory of their friend who died in a water tragedy in Callander . Eilidh McNab sadly lost her life in August 2019 as she enjoyed a summer’s day at popular Bracklinn Falls . The Stirling University student and promising rugby player got into difficulty in the water and tragically drowned. Now, her best friend and former flatmate are gearing up for a challenge to raise vital funds for the mercy team who desperately tried to save Eilidh that fateful day. The 23-year-old, originally from Lockerbie , Dumfries and Galloway, was dragged about 50 yards downstream by the current into another pool and became trapped under the water. Desperate onlookers tried to free her and the emergency services were called, including the assistance of the Killin Mountain Rescue Team (Killin MRT). Click here for more news and sport from the Stirling area. Now, almost six years after the tragedy, pals Emily Russell and Eleanor Blake are planning on raising crucial funds for Killin MRT in Eilidh’s honour. Emily said: “Five years on, I’m finally taking on a charity challenge in her memory to raise money for Killin MRT – a volunteer mountain rescue team located in Killin and Callander who were critical in the rescue efforts that day. “This challenge consists of two separate sections, with us setting off on the West Highland Way on June 30. This is a 96-mile-long trail which passes through the district covered by Killin MRT, as we start in Milngavie and aim to reach Fort William on July 5. “Following this, the second part of the challenge begins as we tackle the Three Peaks Challenge – conquering the highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales over a 24-hour time period, climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon.” The challenge will take the pair more than 119-miles and 6,500 meters of elevation over the course of eight days. Emily said: “Money raised will go towards providing every team member with a safety harness and replacing some technical hardware. “Coincidentally all equipment being replaced was used to assist in the rescue efforts for Eilidh back in 2019 and this challenge will be a lasting legacy for her that will benefit other people in need.” Killin MRT is made up entirely of volunteers and is self-funded. Eilidh was a keen rugby player, who starred for the University of Stirling’s women’s team. Pals left emotional floral tributes near the scene with a rugby ball included in the days after the tragedy. Around a dozen volunteers from Killin MRT battled to save Eilidh, fighting to free her for more than three hours. Bracklinn Falls is a series of waterfalls north-east of the town, on the course of the Keltie Water, where the river crosses the Highland Boundary Fault. To donate to Emily and Eleanor’s charity fundraiser in Eilidh’s memory, click here . Click here for more news and sport from the Stirling area.