Allister Boyd's dad in mountain trek

Jul 17 2009 by Lisa Boyle

Dad’s mountain trek in honour of Allister

HE TOUCHED the hearts of people all over Ayrshire and beyond.

Three months after Allister Boyd’s death, the cash raised in his name is fast approaching the £0.25m mark.

Allister, 20, died in April this year after a courageous fight with cancer.

It was his dying wish to raise as much money for CLIC Sargent and the Teenage Cancer Trust as possible.

And scores of people are still donating thousands of pounds to Allister’s charities – including his doting dad Robert, who has vowed to embark on the biggest physical challenge of his life.

Robert will climb Mount Kilimanjaro with 27 other fundraisers next year.

And he has already started to prepare himself for the gruelling trek.

Robert said: “I’ve never done anything like this before. I’ve been out walking for about an hour every night. It’s a first for me, so it’ll be a long slow build up.”

The Kilimanjaro trek is being organised by CLIC Sargent in Allister’s memory.

It’s one of many events happening all over Scotland and beyond.

Robert, his wife Kim and Allister’s wee brother Russell have been humbled by the level of support they’ve received.

Robert explained: “Focusing on fundraising has really helped us with the grieving process.

“When you know so many people are supporting the charities Allister wanted them to it’s great.

“And when people lift the phone saying they are going to do something to raise money, it gives you a real boost.

“It’s a great legacy for Allister to have left behind. It blows you away when you think about it. We are bursting with pride.”

Allister had hoped to raise between £40,000 and £50,000 when he started raising money.

But he was able to contribute £130,000 to a brand new teenage cancer unit at Yorkhill Hospital.

The project cost £350,000 altogether and is due to open in four weeks time – much sooner than it would have without Allister’s help.

Robert continued: “It is sad that Allister won’t be here to see the fruits of his labour, but we had seven months more with him than we thought we would. He would be really pleased.”