Mum’s special summit for son

MOFFAT mum Sharon Duncan has raised £3000 in memory of her son by completing a climb of Ben Lomond last Saturday. Sharon took up the mountainous challenge as part of her family’s continuing effort to raise awareness and funds for Cardiac Risk in the Young in memory of her son David Hill, a former St Joseph’s College pupil. David passed away unexpectedly aged 30 during a rugby match between Irish and Scottish parliamentarians in March 2022. Setting off early on Saturday accompanied by friends, family and three dogs, Sharon began her climb of the 974 metre tall mountain. She said: “After meeting for breakfast, the team of family, friends and three dogs set off. As we left the trees, we realised it was a very windy day, and we had to struggle with 55 mph winds for the whole climb.” Upon reaching the summit the group made a stone cairn to honour David, with each climber adding a stone with his name on it. Sharon added: “We also raised a quaich to share a dram in David’s memory. “It was quite hazardous as the wind was gusting up to 60 mph, and the descent was as trying as the climb had been. “We all made it down with only a few scrapes and blisters, and I am incredibly grateful to have had such a supportive family around me through my journey on Ben Lomond. “I am grateful for all the support and delighted to have over £3000 to help fund screening in David’s name.”