Family of popular Derry man helps mountain rescuers after tragic accident – ​​Derry Daily

The family of a man who died in a tragic accident in the Donegal mountains are making a special effort to thank the kind heroes of the Donegal Mountain Rescue Team.

Popular Derry resident Brian Campbell (59) died last April while hiking in Poisoned Glen.

Brian was a beloved husband and father and a well-known bus driver who enjoyed spending his free time in the great outdoors.

On 1 September, Brian's son Caomhán and his partner Erin Smyth will run the Waterside Half Marathon in his memory, along with Brian's niece Orlagh McLaughlin and his nephews Aaron and Sean Starrs and Martin Creswell.

Caomhán's friends Adam Woodrow and John Paul Doohan will also be running, while Brian's wife Donna and daughter Nicole will be there to cheer the team on in their heartfelt memorial challenge.

All funds raised will be donated to the Donegal Mountain Rescue Team in gratitude for the care and compassionate support they gave to Brian and his best friend Tony on that fateful day, April 20th.

“It is a very tragic situation that we all have to go through, but we wanted to give something back to the Donegal Mountain Rescue Team because they have done so much for our family and Brian and his friend Tony,” says Orlagh Donegal daily.

“They spent 11 hours trying to get Brian back. It's incredible what they did.”

Orlagh, who lives in Dublin, has always had a close bond with her uncle.

“When we got the news that Brian had died, my family and I rushed to Derry,” she said.

“The rescue team called to my uncle's house and explained to the family exactly what had happened and how they were supporting Brian and Tony. They were compassionate, everything was very calm and they couldn't have done anything better for us.

“It's unfortunate that a tragedy like this forces us to raise money for such a worthy cause, but we want to do everything we can to thank them for what they have done.”

Brian was there to congratulate Orlagh on completing the Derry 10-mile run in March.

Orlagh, an avid runner, was always motivated by Brian, who would send her words of encouragement for the upcoming race or challenge.

“It’s hard to imagine life without him,” Orlagh said.

“He was incredibly good at getting up first thing in the morning and going hiking. He and Tony, his best friend, travelled around the world hiking in different places. In June they were going to go to the Pyrenees, but unfortunately Brian died in April. Tony went along on their behalf.”

The Waterside Half Marathon is a double challenge for the family – on a physical and emotional level.

“When we cross the finish line, we will be relieved to have completed the race, but also a little sad about why we are doing it,” says Orlagh.

“I always see racing as something to be happy about when you cross the finish line. This will be a different kind of celebration. We will toast him with a pint of Guinness and fondly remember all the memories we have of this day.”

The team's iDonate page has already raised over €5,500 for the Donegal Mountain Rescue Team.

“We are just amazed at how much money we have raised. People are so generous,” said Orlagh.

“Many were touched by the story and he will be truly missed.

“Brian was always smiling and always joking. He was a great father and he and Donna gave us so much time and love.”

As training sessions continue, Orlagh adds: “We just want to raise awareness and funds for such a good cause.

“They are a volunteer group that receives no government funding, but they have really helped our family and will continue to help our family.”

If you would like to support the half marathon in memory of Brian Campbell, please visit: www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/OrlaghMcLaughlin

Family of popular Derry man helps mountain rescuers after tragic accident was last modified: 19 August 2024 from Rachel

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