Sergeant Gordon Adam, from Glasgow, who served with The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, passed away in 2019 at the age of 35.
And to mark what would have been his 40th birthday, his brother Struan and friends from his regiment took on the gruelling 96-mile challenge.
Gordon Adam (Image: Samaritans)
After previously completing the West Highland Way together in 2005, Struan and Gordon often said they would take on the ‘return journey’ and complete the route in the opposite direction.
Gordon had also been planning to run a marathon to fundraise for Samaritans, as he had already attended three funerals due to suicide – one being his father who died when Gordon was only six.
Struan, 41, said: “Gordon was always fun to be around and really was the life and soul of the party.
“As well as being a brilliant brother, husband, son, solider and boxer, Gordon’s first love was being a dad and he was a wonderful father to daughter Leah, stepson Reece and two young sons, Chase and Zane.
“He would have loved celebrating his 40th birthday and it should have been a happy time for us as a family. But with the fifth anniversary of his death being next month as well, it had the potential to be a really traumatic time for us.
“For Gordon’s birthday, I wanted to find a way to celebrate Gordon’s life and create something positive out of this tragedy.”
(Image: Samaritans)
Struan walked the route from Fort William to Milngavie with Sergeant John McGoochan, Captain Frankie Kyle, Captain Topper Harley and Captain Scott Robinson.
The group set off on Sunday, June 2 and completed the challenge on Tuesday, June 4, Gordon’s birthday.
Poignantly, the first stop on their last day was Balmaha, where Gordon’s ashes were spread.
(Image: Samaritans)
So far the group have raised just over £10,000 for the mental health charity Samaritans, as well as local charities Golden Friendships in Clydebank, and Thrive in Stewarton.
They hope their efforts will encourage others to speak up about when they’re feeling low and get the help and advice they need.
Struan said: “The challenge was probably the toughest thing I’ve experienced, physically.
“But it was a fantastic experience with the squaddies and we started each day with a huddle and two words – ‘For Gordy!’- and that camaraderie and support kept us going.
“As we approached the finishing line, we could see all of our families and friends, and Gordon’s sons waiting for us with a birthday cake, and that was really special.”
Struan and Gordon (Image: Samaritans)
Struan documented their plans in the weeks leading up to the challenge on a ‘West Highland Way – The Return Journey’ Facebook page.
He said: “I created a series of videos for the page and the Army lads really spoke from the heart and gave wonderful interviews about who Gordon was to them.
“You can hear the emotion in their voices, and we received a lot of positive feedback about how good it was to hear them talk so openly about their feelings.
“So I hope that, as well as raising money for Samaritans, Golden Friendships and Thrive, that our efforts encourage others to speak about how they’re feeling and reach out for help, and that that becomes part of Gordon’s legacy too.”
Gordon and Struan’s mum, Sarah Frame, joined the group on the last stretch of the walk with Gordon’s sisters and nephews.
Gordon with mum Sarah (Image: Samaritans)
She said: “Knowing Gordon is still very much loved and missed by his Army colleagues means so much to me.
“The challenge was something that we could come together to support as a family and to join in as we were able, which drew us together at a difficult time.
“And so importantly, it gave us such a positive focus to fundraise for two charities which help people with their wellbeing, and for Samaritans, who are there to help save lives and prevent other families suffering this terrible grief.
“It gives me some comfort to know that over £10,000 has been donated and this will give better outcomes to so many.
“I am immensely proud of Struan for coming up with this fundraising challenge and for pushing himself beyond his limits to achieve it for Gordon’s sake. And proud of all my family for coming together to support him throughout and do their bit too.”
