The brother of a Co Down man who died in a tragic motorcycle accident is to take on the four peaks challenge in an effort to raise funds for the Air Ambulance.
Matthew Stuart died following a one vehicle road traffic collision in Ballynahinch on April 16, 2020, a few days before his 37th birthday.
The Air Ambulance was called to the incident, but despite the efforts of the paramedics at the scene, Matthew passed away from his injuries.
Read more: Matthew Stuart death: Belfast Trojans pay tribute to former player
His brother Richard Stuart is now looking to give back to the charity in memory of Matthew and is taking part in the four peaks challenge in order to raise much needed funding for it.
Richard said Matthew's sudden passing had a huge impact on his family and friends, but sadly due to the pandemic restrictions they felt that they were not able to say goodbye to him in the way they would have preferred with only a small family funeral being held.
He said the fundraiser is a way for him to celebrate his brother's life, with him planning for it to be completed on April 18 - which would have been Matthew's 40th birthday.
Richard said: "At the beginning of the pandemic, my younger brother Matthew died in a tragic accident while he was riding his motorbike and we are still trying to come to terms with his loss.
"Due to the restrictions that were in place at the time, we felt that we were not able to give him the send off that he deserved because he had so many friends that were unable to attend the funeral or see him one last time.
"This year would have been Matthew's 40th birthday and I felt that it was important to do something to honour his memory and by taking on the four peaks challenge I am hoping that I am able to do that, while also supporting a great charity that does so much for the people of Northern Ireland.
"The Air Ambulance had been sent to the scene of Matthew's crash and even though they were unable to save him, the professionalism and dedication they showed in helping him was inspirational and I am hoping that we are able to do something to say thank you for everything they have done."
If you would like to donate to Richard's fundraiser, please follow this link.
READ NEXT:
- Northern Ireland emergency department patient kept waiting for over 100 hours
- GP pressures across NI leads to delays warning over services
- Northern Ireland health trust bosses "deeply distressed" at state of local hospitals outline latest measures
- Ulster Hospital 'under extreme pressure' as urgent staff appeal is issued across Northern Ireland
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here. To sign up to our FREE newsletters, see here.
