A Dumfries man who suffered a heartbreaking double tragedy when his mum and brother died on the same day has raised £2,000 for a charity close to his heart.
Kevin Steenson, 31, and friends of his brother Mark, also known as Beaky, climbed Criffel wearing just shorts and trainers on Saturday.
Kevin carried Mark’s ashes with him and scattered them when he reached the summit.
He said: “It was quite emotional but I’m glad his friends were there with me.”
Kevin and his family were left devastated when mum Marie, 66, passed away in hospital in December two and a half years after being diagnosed with cancer.
Just hours later, Mark, 27, was found dead after taking his own life “without warning”.
Determined to raise money and awareness for mental health and suicide prevention following his brother’s death, Kevin organised Saturday’s fundraising venture with Mark’s friend Ross Phillips.
They aimed to raise £250 but donations flooded into an online appeal and have now topped £2,000.
Kevin added: “We are really grateful to everyone and can’t say how much it means to our family. As well as donating the money to charity,
“We will also spend some on a memory tree for mum and Mark at Castledykes Park near the place Mark grew up with us.
“Saturday was a nice day so we didn’t feel the cold too much and we were over the moon to finish the fundraiser.
“Mark’s death was a huge shock because he was always so upbeat. I’d urge anyone feeling low to reach out and talk to someone. Don’t keep it in.”
People can still make a donation to the fundraiser by visiting https://uk.gofundme.com/f/mark-beaky-steenson-fundraiser
