As most of you know, I lost the love of my life on 26th January 2021 only weeks before we were due to get married after postponing our wedding twice due to coronavirus. Darren was involved in a single vehicle road traffic collision which we later found out was only a consequence of him becoming unwell at the wheel.

Darren was certainly one of life’s good guys who was cared for and loved by everyone who knew him. Darren was very much known for his huge heart, generosity, contagious laugh and passion for all things car & bike related. His absence has left a huge hole in our lives and adjusting to life without him has been indescribable.

Those who knew myself and Darren will know how much banter we had in our relationship, and although he always encouraged me & was always by my side cheering me on, he loved to take the mick too! Way back in 2017 after climbing Bennachie, I announced I planned to start climbing Munro’s - something he said I’d never get round to and here we are today, he was right! I wanted to do something in Darren’s memory aswell as raise money for a cause extremely close to my heart and what better way than to finally climb my first Munro! Initially I wanted to raise money for a charity relating to Darren’s cause of death, however, after extensive testing this has sadly remained as unascertained, therefore, after some investigating it has been agreed I can donate money raised specifically to the emergency service stations that provided assistance to Darren.

Myself and a group of friends will be climbing the White Mounth Munro’s on 24th August 2021 - this date should have been our 3rd anniversary for getting engaged. The White Mounth Munro’s include five Munro’s, starting at Lochnagar and finishing at Broad Cairn. Any donations at all are greatly appreciated, I just know Darren will be laughing his head off at my new walking boots but I also know how proud he would be that I am finally climbing that Munro! X