A CHARITY that takes “invisible” pupils on life-changing expeditions to the ends of the earth has won an “overwhelming” donation from Scotland’s Euromillionaires.

Chris and Colin Weir launched the Weir Charitable Trust four years ago following their £161 million Euromillions win in 2011. Since then the fund has supported a range of good causes from women’s wheelchair basketball to dog rescue.

Yesterday it emerged that The Polar Academy, based in Bo’ness, which takes struggling teenagers to the wilds of Greenland, has secured a major windfall.

Craig Mathieson, who founded the project four years ago, branded the £60,000 sum a “game changer”, saying: “I’m personally overwhelmed by the hugely generous financial support offered by The Weir Charitable Trust. Its support will directly impact on our commitment to use exploration to transform the physical and mental wellbeing of young people who feel invisible at school and plagued by feelings of anxiety and self-doubt.”

The organisation works with youngsters aged 14-17 who are “crushed by a lack of self-esteem” and puts them through 10-month training courses before taking them to some of the world’s most challenging terrain to “redefine their physical and mental limits”.

Participants end the challenge with a 10-day self-guided expedition over 100km in Eastern Greenland, pulling their kit on 45kg sledges.

This year’s programme focuses on pupils from Lochgelly High in Fife.

Trust manager Lorraine Tait said: “Previous participants clearly gain the physical and mental strength to lead positive and fulfilled lives and to serve as role models in their community.

"The Weir Charitable Trust hopes that this £60,000 award towards training and running costs will ensure that The Polar Academy can continue to build on its impressive work to boost the mental and physical health of Scotland’s young people.”