Coatbridge men raise cash for Help for Heroes

Dec 19 2012 by Ian Bunting, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

A group of Coatbridge men braved difficult conditions – and injuries – to walk the West Highland Way and raise nearly £3000 for Help for Heroes.

The lads joined other men from across Lanarkshire and soldiers from the 32 Signal Regiment (Volunteers) on the 96-mile trek from Milngavie to Fort William – and nearly lost a man in “battle”.

Coatbridge resident Davy McGuire suffered a bad fall and hurt his back during the walk, meaning he had to be airlifted away for treatment.

Fellow walker Stephen McGregor, also of Coatbridge, said: “Davy fell a fair distance and gave himself a sore one.

“I very nearly fell before him as well as conditions were difficult.”

Lt Col Paul Rennie-Smith, commanding officer from 32 Signal Regiment (Volunteers) also took part in the journey.

He added, with tongue planted firmly in cheek: “We somehow managed to get the RAF involved too when Davy had to be airlifted to safety.”

The team bravely battled on and completed the walk at the Highland finish line in Fort William.

Stephen and fellow fundraiser Tom Kerr work for Coatbridge construction firm T and S Builders, who threw their full support behind the team, and were delighted to hand over the final £2704.41 donation to Help for Heroes.

Tom said: “We chose Help for Heroes because of the contacts some of our party have in the armed services, and because it is a really great cause.”

Help for Heroes’ Lanarkshire co-ordinator, Chic Doyle, was presented with the cheque at the 32 Signal Regiment’s Glasgow base.

He was delighted by the dedicated group’s achievement, saying: “This is a fantastic donation.

“Help for Heroes thanks all of the men involved in the walk for their wonderful efforts.”

To make a donation to Help for Heroes call 01725 514 130.