Family run to pay tribute to Donegal mountain rescue worker after they were tragically killed

The family of a man who died in a tragic accident in the Donegal Mountains are doing their best to thank the heroes of the Donegal Mountain Rescue Team.

Well-loved Derry man Brian Campbell (59) tragically died while hiking in Poisoned Glen in April last year. Brian was a beloved husband and father, as well as a well-known bus driver, who loved spending his free time outdoors.

Brian’s son Caomhán and his partner Erin Smyth, along with Brian’s niece Orlagh McLaughlin and his nephews Aaron, Sean Starrs and Martin Creswell will run the Waterside Half Marathon in his memory on September 1. Caomhán’s friends Adam Woodrow and John Paul Doohan will also be taking part, while Brian’s wife Donna and daughter Nicole will be cheering the team on during their touching memorial challenge.

All funds raised will be donated to Donegal Mountain Rescue Team To thank them for their concern and warm support for Brian and his best friend Tony on that tragic day of April 20th.

“This is a very tragic situation for us all to go through but we wanted to give back to Donegal Mountain Rescue because of what they do for our family, Brian and his friend Tony,” Olag said donegal journal.

“They spent 11 hours trying to get Brian back. It was an amazing job they did.”

Olag, who lives in Dublin, has always maintained a close relationship with her uncle.

“My family and I immediately rushed to Delhi when we got the news that Brian was missing,” she said.

“The rescue team arrived at my uncle’s house and spoke to the family in detail about what had happened and how they were supporting Brian and Tony. They expressed their sympathy, saying everything was calm and they were doing the best they could.

“It’s unfortunate that a tragedy like this forces us to raise money for such a worthy cause, but we wanted to do everything we could to thank them for all they do.”

Brian was there to congratulate Olag for completing the Delhi Ten Mile Run in March.

Orlagh is a keen runner and Brian is there to encourage him no matter what race or challenge lies ahead.

“It’s very sad without him,” Olag said.

“He would always get up in the morning and go hiking, which was amazing. He and his best friend Tony would travel around the world hiking in different places. They had been planning to go to the Pyrenees in June this year, but unfortunately Brian passed away in April. Tony went in their place.”

The Waterside Half Marathon will be both physically and emotionally challenging for families.

“When we cross the finish line, we feel a little bit of relief because we finished the race, but also a little bit of sadness, wondering why we did this,” Olag said.

“I’ve always thought of the game as something to be celebrated. This will be a different kind of celebration. We’ll toast him with a pint of Guinness and look back fondly on all the memories of that day.”

this Team’s iDonate page More than €5,500 has been raised for Donegal Mountain Rescue.

“We were really surprised by the amount of money we raised. People were so generous,” Olag said.

“A lot of people were touched by his story and he is truly missed.

“Brian was always smiling, always joking. He was a great dad, and he and Donna always gave him their time and love.”

As the training sessions continue, Olag added: “What we want to do is raise awareness and funds for this great cause. They are a volunteer group and they don’t get any funding from the government 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 run to pay tribute to Donegal mountain rescue worker after they were tragically killed Last modified: August 16, 2024 go through Rachel McLaughlin

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