“I carry his memory with me every day”: a tribute trek for my brother

Scott Wright’s brother, Neil, lived with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and sadly died in 2007, aged 22. This year would have been Neil’s 40th birthday and to mark the occasion, Scott and two friends decided to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in October in his memory. Scott explains the motivation behind the challenge.

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My brother, Neil, was four years older than me. He was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy when he was seven years’ old and died in February 2007, aged 22.

Neil brought the life to any room. He was known for his one liners and smart comebacks, always laughing and joking. But he was also very empathetic, always thinking about other people. I remember he used to make sure our mum prepared a Sunday dinner for me before I headed back to university each week so that I had one good meal!

Neil never let his condition hold him back and despite all the challenges he faced, his determination, infectious smile and zest for life was always there. He was a staunch Manchester United supporter, and he loved football, whether it was supporting his team, playing wheelchair football or enjoying FIFA on his PlayStation. He was looked up to a lot by the younger boys in his wheelchair football group for his can-do, will-do attitude.

My brother taught me the true meaning of courage and perseverance, and I carry his memory with me every day.

I love to travel and have always been inspired to see as much of the world as possible for Neil, because this is something he wasn’t able to do. Ten years ago, to mark what would have been Neil’s 30^th birthday, I walked the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco as this was his dream and he never got to do it. Neil would have turned 40 this year, and I wanted to do something that matched his bravery and determination as a tribute to him. That’s when I decided to do the Kilimanjaro trek with Muscular Dystrophy UK.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro wasn’t just about reaching the summit; it was about honouring Neil’s memory in the most meaningful way and making a tangible difference to others living with muscular dystrophy.

My friends, Anthony and Jordan, who I’ve known for around six years, joined me and we were part of a group of 15 people, who were all doing the trek for Muscular Dystrophy UK. I’m not sure how I convinced Anthony and Jordan that it would be a good idea, but I’m very glad they were there alongside me.

Neil’s 40^th birthday is a poignant reminder of the milestones he will never reach, but it’s also an opportunity for us to come together and make a positive impact in his memory. Anthony, Jordan and I wanted to raise as much as possible so that Muscular Dystrophy UK can continue to support other people in our home country of Northern Ireland who are living with a condition like Neil’s. Thanks to everyone’s kindness and generosity, we’ve raised over £16,000, which we’re thrilled about.

Neil and I were always there for each other, and I know that he’d be extremely proud that I’ve done this and that other families in our local community will be helped in his memory.