Colleagues of a Scots firefighter who tragically took his own life hope to create a legacy for the fallen hero by encouraging others to seek mental health support. A small band of Scottish Fire and Rescue Service crew completed the West Highland Way trek in full kit to raise more than £20,000 in memory of Colin Speight.
The 47-year-old, from Cupar, Fife, who has been described as "the biggest joker" who was "always laughing", sadly died by suicide in December 2021. Fellow fireman John Ovenstone told how crew members took turns to carry Colin’s helmet during the mammoth 96 mile walk and were joined by his stepdad Bill.
He said: "No one saw Colin's death coming. He was always laughing and was the biggest joker - you would never have thought he was struggling. There's still a stigma around mental health, but we are a very closely knit team and have supported each other throughout.
"We know that speaking about your feelings puts you more at peace. Everyone took a turn in carrying Colin's helmet to make sure he was there with us. Colin loved Scotland, he loved the hills and the scenery.
"It was his love for Scotland which gave us the initial idea for the challenge. This has been the hardest thing I have ever done, but we did it for Colin - we knew we had to keep putting one foot in front of the other for him.
"It was emotional throughout. When we crossed the finish line, there wasn't a dry eye in the house."
The funds raised in memory of the Watch Commander have now been handed over to The Fire Fighters Charity and Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide. Crew Commander Gordon Nimmo, who helped organise the ‘Walk with Speighty’ challenge, added: "We've been overwhelmed with the level of support from everyone, we could not have asked for more.
"Everyone involved, the support team who provided us with transport and food, those behind the scenes, we could not have done it without them. Hopefully we have been able to raise some awareness around mental health and to make even just one person consider reaching out to ask for support - that would be Colin's legacy."
Colin's family helped support the event and have developed a close bond with his former crew mates. They often visit Glenrothes Fire Station, where Colin was based and where his ashes lie, to share tea and cakes.
The hope now is that more people, particularly men, seek support for any mental health challenges. Area Commander Mark Bryce is the SFRS Local Senior Officer for Stirling, Clackmannanshire and Fife added: "There has been an incredible amount of work carried out by everyone involved with the Walk with Speighty challenge.
"And it's not just the financial side of things, it's about that ongoing support - and about inspiring others to maintain and improve their own mental wellbeing.
"I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to everyone involved in raising an incredible amount of money for charity, but for also creating a fitting tribute to Colin, to his family, and to the Walk with Speighty team."
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