A recent report from the National Records of Scotland revealed that 1,172 lives were lost to drug misuse in Scotland, reflecting a 12% increase in drug-related deaths since 2022. This marks yet another year of heartbreak for families and loved ones affected by alcohol and drugs. Behind these numbers are families who have lost a loved one—a parent, child, sibling, aunt, uncle, or friend.

Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs (SFAD) is a national charity that supports individuals and families that have been impacted by someone else’s use of alcohol or drugs in Scotland, whether they are still actively using substances, are in recovery, or are bereaved. Their family support services, including a national helpline, one-to-one support, and bereavement service, provide an invaluable resource to families across Scotland.

After the heart-breaking loss of our wonderful friend Rory Stewart, SFAD family services are offering Rory’s family invaluable and compassionate support, particularly access to their unique bereavement service, which provides free professional counselling, helping them to navigate the challenges of grief and the loss of their son and brother.

As Rory’s close friends, his death left an indelible mark on us all, and we feel it is the least we can do to show our appreciation and gratitude by supporting an organisation like SFAD through challenging ourselves and raising funds for this incredible charity.

To honour Rory’s memory, Aidan, Alex, Craig, Dale, Jack, Lewis, Shorty, Nathan, Rhuraidh, Reece and Wacky will push our physical and mental boundaries by completing the 96-mile West Highland Way in four days, averaging 24 miles of hiking per day.

This challenge will not only test us but feels deeply fitting, as Rory loved nothing more than being outdoors with his mates—whether walking, cycling, hanging out in our special place in Roslin Glen, or sitting around a fire or cooking on a BBQ. He also found peace in those quieter wild places, particularly at Clachtoll in the Northwest Highlands.

We aim to raise as much as possible for SFAD to support their continuous life-changing work and bring hope to families facing similar challenges. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference. Your donation will help us reach our £5,000 goal and provide greater access to SFAD’s essential family services, including their unique bereavement support.

Let’s honour Rory’s life and his love for the outdoors by supporting this incredible cause.