I was was Father David’s GP and close friend for many years. We climbed together on numerous Munros as well as in the Alps and in the Himalaya. We completed our rounds of the 284 Munros together in 1996, in a group of five which is still the largest group known to have completed the Munros at the same time.

It therefore seemed to me that the most suitable way in which Icould raise money for the David Gemmell fund was through a sponsored second round of all the Munros. This will involve climbing over 400,000 feet and walking more than 1,000 miles. Typically it takes in excess of ten years to do all the Munros but I am attempting to do it in 3 – 4 months, starting in Spring, 2010. If I succeed (by then aged 66), it is likely that his will be the fastest Munro round by a pensioner!

The fund is to be used towards the building or purchasing of a L’ Arche home, either in Scotland or overseas, to be named in Father David's memory, so as to provide a tangible and enduring memorial to Father David that will be of real benefit to adults with learning difficulties.

For more information go to http://www.larche-edinburgh.org.uk/ or contact Judith Ellis, at the L' Arche UK office, 01535 656186.