A community effort to raise funds to repair a section of path near Strathblane named after a Marine killed in action in 2006 has been launched.
Strathblane Community Development Trust has launched an online fundraiser to raise enough cash to carry out repair work on a section of the Gary Wright Way.
The path – linking Blanefield and Strathblane – was named in memory of local hero Gary in 2019.
Now the Trust says that the route is in dire need of repair after rain last summer badly damaged it.
The section around the stone gateway to the football field is now in need urgent work.
On their Just Giving page the Trust said: “The SCDT Paths group has repaired the undermined bit of the GWW, and put in a temporary drainage system to prevent further damage but there’s a limit to what enthusiastic amateurs can do.
“To install drainage at these two sites, repair path surfaces, and futureproof them, we have called in professionals, and that costs money.
“We raised a grant for more than half the costs but it would be great if local people and paths-users take ownership of this problem, and chip in where they can.
“A few quid here and there from some of the hundreds of path users – dog-walkers, cyclists, horse-riders, runners and the rest – should easily see us to this target.”
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The fundraiser is seeking to raise £2,600.
At the time of printing, more than £1,600 had been raised.
Blanefield born and bred, Gary Wright was killed by a suicide bomber in Lashkar Gah, in Helmand Province, in 2006, when aged just 22.
Gary was part of a convoy leaving the Afghan national police station when they were targeted.
A suicide bomber jumped in front of the Land Rover that Gary was travelling in, believed to have been using two children as a shield who were also killed.
Another Marine, and close friend of Gary’s, Sergeant Gary Ellis, from Dundee, was also seriously injured.
Gary, who served with the Arbroath-based 45 Commando Royal Marines, died in hospital as a result of his injuries.
In January 2019, we told how villagers opted to rededicate the newly-created cycling and walking route in memory of the former Strathblane Primary and Balfron High pupil.
At that time, Gary’s proud family welcomed the move.
Dad Ian Wright said: “As a family we’re very proud. Gary was a popular and much loved boy in the community.
“He was born and bred in Blanefield, just like myself.
“He had always wanted to be a Marine, from a very young age. It was always specifically the Marines.
“It means a lot to the family to know that people are still thinking about Gary and remembering him.”
To donate, click here.
