A Craigavon man has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in tribute to his brother who lived with muscular dystrophy.
On October 12, 2024, Scott Wright, 36, and his friends Anthony Rice, 35, and Jordan Nelson, 34, set off to Africa to climb the world’s highest freestanding mountain.
The trio took on the challenge to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy UK, the leading charity for more than 110,000 people in the UK living with one of over 60 muscle wasting and weakening conditions.
They climbed Kilimanjaro in memory of Scott’s older brother, Neil, who lived with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, having been diagnosed when he was seven-years-old, and sadly died in February, 2007, aged 22.
This year would have been Neil’s 40th birthday and by trekking in his honour, Scott and his friends have raised £16,352, which will help to support people in Northern Ireland living with muscle wasting and weakening conditions.
Explaining the motivation behind the challenge, Scott said: “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.
“Ten years ago, to mark what would have been Neil’s 30th birthday, I walked the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco as this was his dream and he never got to do it. 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.”
Scott continued: “Neil brought the life to any room. 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!”
A staunch Manchester United supporter, Neil loved football, whether it was supporting his team, playing wheelchair football or enjoying FIFA on his PlayStation.
“Neil was looked up to a lot by the younger boys in his wheelchair football group for his can-do, will-do attitude,” Scott explains. “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.”
Along with 12 other people who did the Kilimanjaro Trek for Muscular Dystrophy UK, Scott was joined by his friends, Anthony and Jordan, who he has known for around six years. “I’m not sure how I convinced them that it would be a good idea, but I’m very glad they were there alongside me,” said Scott.
“Neil’s 40th birthday is a poignant reminder of the milestones he will never reach, but it’s also an opportunity for us to come together and make a positive impact in his memory. Anthony, Jordan and I wanted to raise as much as possible to support other people living with a condition like Neil’s and help fund research into treatments.
“Thanks to everyone’s kindness and generosity, we’ve exceeded our original £15,000 fundraising target, which we’re thrilled about.
“Neil and I were always there for each other, and I know that he’d be extremely proud that I’ve done this and that other families are being helped in his memory.”
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 in Northern Ireland. Thank you.”
You can support Scott’s Tribute Trek for his brother at www.justgiving.com/page/kili-
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