Heartfelt response to sister’s rescue team fundraiser for comedian Gary Little after his death on Ross-shire mountain
THE sister of a Scottish comedian who tragically died on a Ross-shire mountain range has launched a poignant fundraiser and thanked local heroes who ensured her brother “was not alone”.
Keen hillwalker Gary Little (61) was found dead on the Five Sisters of Kintail on Friday after being reported overdue.
His body was subsequently recovered with the help of Kintail Mountain Rescue Team, Glenelg Mountain Rescue Team, Police Scotland and the Coastguard Helicopter from Stornoway.
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More about Kintail Mountain Rescue Team from the Ross-shire Journal
One of his sisters, Claire, has launched a JustGiving fundraiser to thank those who found her brother.
She posted: “I’m Claire Little you more than likely don’t know me but you may however have either heard of my brother - meeting him or had the experience of having him make you laugh.”
She wrote: “Unfortunately Gary suddenly passed away on Friday doing one of the things he loved most - mountain climbing.
“As a family we are so very grateful that the volunteers from Kintail Mountain Rescue stayed with him until the help of HMCG Helicopter from Stornoway arrived and this comforts us knowing ‘the big man was not alone’.
“As an avid mountain walker Gary was appreciative of the work these volunteer based organizations done and how valuable they are so any donation would be extremely appreciated.”
She told the Ross-shire Journal: “He so much loved the mountains and being up there with his beloved dogs and [it is] some sort of comfort it was doing something he loved that took him from us.”
The appeal is signed by his sisters Lorraine, Alison, Karen and Claire.
The appeal will benefit Kintail MRT and the Coastguard.
The appeal has already tripled its initial target and was standing at over £2300 this morning.
Many have thanked the mountain rescue teams for their efforts in such distressing circumstances. Matt Smith posted: “A huge effort that day. Thank you to all the team and those from Glenelg MRT for the time and everything you did to bring him home.”
John Naylor summed up the feelings of many when he wrote: “Thank you to all of you in The Kintail Team. You do an amazing job and I for one never take your essential voluntary work for granted. I endeavour to keep myself safe but it is great to know that should the unthinkable happen, you are there.”
Janette Macrae said of Gary: “He was a legend and did loads of charity gigs to raise money for local causes. Saw him at our village hall, very funny man, such a sad loss.”
The Justgiving page can be found by searching for ‘Gary Little Kintail Justgiving’.