THE brother of a Co Down man who died in a motorcycle accident during lockdown has promised to mark his 40th birthday in epic style by climbing the four highest peaks in the UK.
Matthew Stuart from Ballynahinch was 36-years-old when he headed out from home on his red Ducati motorcycle on April 16, 2020.
After a collision on the Spa Road he tragically lost his life at the scene.
His brother Richard (43) said he first remembered noticing the Air Ambulance flying overhead before his devastated father called to confirm the news.
With lockdown restrictions in place, only close family were able to gather for the funeral service, while others were confined to their home.
Having survived cancer earlier in his life and engaged to be married, Matthew was also known for his love of anything with wheels.
With a feeling that the pandemic denied his family a chance to properly say goodbye, Richard will soon begin his four peaks challenge along with several work colleagues.
Starting with Ben Nevis in Scotland on April 14, they will continue to Scafell Pike in England on April 16, Snowdon in Wales on April 17 and Slieve Donard for Matthew’s birthday on April 18. Richard has already managed to raise nearly £10,000 for the Northern Ireland Air Ambulance via a JustGiving page.
“When it all happened, it was in April 2020, it was a big shock to us all at the start of Covid. We were into lockdown restrictions and time has just slipped on,” he told the Irish News.
“He had a huge circle of friends and on the day of his funeral, I think there was 10 close family members allowed.
“Some people did stand alongside the roadside, but most people were scared to leave the house at that stage.
“All of his friends were really unable to say goodbye to him. It was particularly difficult for my parents.”
He added: “My dad has health issues as well so they were very isolated at the time. Normally when you have a bereavement you have a lot of people around you and there’s comfort in talking about the person who has passed away.
“But that just wasn’t possible back then, which a lot of people will have been through.”
Although his brother’s injuries were too severe for him to survive, he said his family would forever be grateful to the Air Ambulance team.
“I’ve spoken to police and other paramedics who were on the scene that day,” he said.
“They all told me when the HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service) team arrived they were just blown away by what they were able to do.
“They landed and took over the scene almost like they were special forces.”
Having first suggested the challenge in October, Richard has since climbed Donard five times this year in preparation.
“I probably underestimated the challenge to be fair,” he said.
“I’ve climbed Ben Nevis before but we’re all much older now. We did a lot of individual training in the Mournes which has opened our eyes to how difficult it will be, but we’re getting there.
“The mountains in England, Scotland and Wales tend to be much bigger tourist attractions so there’s better paths and access to them.
“The Mournes are still fairly wild and under developed. You do start at sea level so even though it’s not the highest you do have a big change in elevation over a short distance.”
Details of how to support the Walk 4 Matt challenge can be found at this location.
