A man from Co Armagh has climbed the world’s highest freestanding mountain to raise funds for a muscular dystrophy charity, the illness his brother suffered from.
Scott Wright (36) from Craigavon, set off to Africa along with his two friends to summit Mount Kilimanjaro raising over £20k for Muscular Dystrophy UK.
His brother Neil was 22 when he died of Duchenne muscular dystrophy after he was given a diagnosis for the disease at just seven years old.
“I love to travel and have always been inspired to see as much of the world as possible for my brother Neil, because this is something he wasn’t able to do,” Neill explained.
“Neil would have turned 40 next month, and I wanted to do something that matched his bravery and determination as a tribute to him. That’s when I decided to do the Kilimanjaro trek with Muscular Dystrophy UK.”
Neil was seven when he was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Accompanied by friends Anthony (35) and Jordan (34) on the trek, the trio smashed their fundraising target which will help people in Northern Ireland living with muscle wasting and weakening conditions.
“Neil brought the life to any room,” said Scott. “He was known for his one liners and smart comebacks, always laughing and joking. But he was also very empathetic, always thinking about other people.
“I remember he used to make sure our mum prepared a Sunday dinner for me before I headed back to university each week so that I had one good meal!”
Scott and his friends at Kilimanjaro’s peak
A football lover and staunch Manchester United fan, Neil’s “can-do, will do” attitude never stopped him from playing the sport.
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“Neil was looked up to a lot by the younger boys in his wheelchair football group for his can-do, will-do attitude,” Scott explained. “He never let his condition hold him back and despite all the challenges he faced, his determination, infectious smile and zest for life was always there.
“He taught me the true meaning of courage and perseverance, and I carry his memory with me every day. That’s why I wanted to do this challenge.
“Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro wasn’t just about reaching the summit; it was about honouring Neil’s memory in the most meaningful way and making a tangible difference to others living with muscular dystrophy.”
Scott (left) and his brother Neil
Muscular dystrophy is a muscle wasting illness that progressively gets worse over time. Muscle wasting conditions affect 110,000 people across the UK.
Sufferers experience difficulties in basic functions like walking, persistent pain, swallowing as well as problems with breathing which can lead to life being challenging or cut short.
Muscular Dystrophy UK work with various health bodies in order to support sufferers and fund research to combat the dilapidating illness.
Jodie Whitham, Community Fundraising Manager at Muscular Dystrophy UK said: “We’re so grateful to Scott and his friends for taking on this trek and raising such an amazing amount in Neil’s memory.
“Thanks to fundraising like this, we can continue to support people living with muscle wasting and weakening conditions in the local community. Thank you.”