Meet Our Supporters – Nathan’s Marathon for Luke
Meet Our Supporters – Nathan’s Marathon for Luke
In April 2025, Nathan is set to run the Manchester Marathon in memory of his brother Luke, who tragically lost his life in the hills above Glen Clova in 2014. While Mountain Rescue Teams searched tirelessly for Luke, they were sadly too late.
For Nathan, taking on this challenge is not only a tribute to his brother’s legacy but also a way to give back to Scottish Mountain Rescue and honour the volunteers’ unwavering efforts during that difficult time.
With generous donations from his friends and family, Nathan has already raised over £2000 in support of Mountain Rescue volunteers, for which we are all enormously grateful.
We got in touch with Nathan when he signed up for the Manchester Marathon, and he kindly shared the following words about his brother and what fundraising in this way means to him.
Nathan writes:
My name is Nathan Ireland, I’m 32 and I work for a Learning & Development company based in Dundee. I recently got married to my wonderful wife Charlotte and we love to travel to new and different places together; we especially love to sample new foods in the places we visit. In my spare time, I love to keep fit and enjoy playing golf with my friends in the warmer months!
How did your passion for the outdoors develop, and what role has it played in your life?
I crave the outdoors when I’m feeling particularly overwhelmed or stressed. I feel a sense of calmness and peace when on a hill walk or adventuring to somewhere new. In Scotland, we are blessed with so many amazing walks which boast some incredible scenery. Myself and my wife try to get outside and go exploring as much as possible.
Can you tell me about your brother, Luke?
Luke had an infectious personality and a real zest for life. He loved going out with his friends and getting up to no good, he was a real cheeky chappy as a kid and we were often at odds in our earlier years. As both Luke and I matured, we realised that we were very similar in lots of ways and we became great friends as well as brothers.
Luke found a way to channel his energies and his talents in the Royal Marines. As a family, we were all so proud of him when he overcame injury and received his green beret after almost a year in training. Luke loved being a Royal Marine and was very much a part of their brotherhood. Since Luke’s passing, our family have built long lasting connections with his friends in the Royal Marines and from school which shows the strength of the bond they shared.
Why did you choose to fundraise for Scottish Mountain Rescue?
When Luke got lost in November 2014 in the hills above Loch Brandy, Glen Clova, the mountain rescue volunteers were exceptional. They were incredibly responsive and showed real dedication and perseverance in trying to find Luke. I specifically recall some volunteers in particular were searching for hours overnight in truly terrible conditions and they were constantly keeping the family updated.
This support was provided to us in our moment of need and was there without even having to ask for it. Although the end result was not what we wanted, we knew we had a team of dedicated individuals trying their utmost to find Luke and that was comforting.
Fundraising for Scottish Mountain Rescue for me means two things:
- Funding is provided and the rescue service can continue in its current format; volunteers can be given the necessary equipment to extract people from difficult situations
- I can try to help raise awareness to others of the importance of being properly equipped and prepared when up in the mountains.
What inspired you to take on this particular challenge in memory of Luke?
November this year marked 10 years since Luke tragically passed. Luke had such a positive influence in the lives of so many and he would not want us to be upset or dwell. I know he would rather that I channel my energies in a positive way and seek to do something which leaves a lasting impression – hence, signing up for a marathon and running it for such a great cause!
Doing this challenge is my way of giving back to the Scottish Mountain Rescue and showing gratitude for their wonderful support back in November 2014.
How did you prepare mentally and physically for this challenge, especially with the added emotional significance?
I’m safe in the knowledge that Luke, as well as my close family and friends, will be with me every step of the way and that will drive me on to complete the training and the race. I know that running a marathon is no easy feat so I will be making sure that I look after my body and try to stay injury free before the big day.
On the day, I plan to prepare a playlist containing some of our favourite songs and I think that will help me get over the finish line!
What has been the most rewarding aspect of fundraising in your brother’s memory?
The sheer volume of messages of support and donations has been truly staggering. This really conveys how much people held Luke in high regard.
I have managed to raise £2,100 in only 4 weeks with over 4 months to go until the marathon so I am confident I will reach my goal of £3,000.
What advice would you give to someone considering a similar challenge, especially in honour of a loved one?
The only person stopping you doing it is you! Whatever the challenge is, I would say, back yourself and go for it!
What’s next for you after completing this meaningful challenge?
After I complete the race, I may take a short break from running and perhaps deserve to treat myself to a massage! Thereafter, I hope to get out on the hills and bag some more munros in 2025.
We are incredibly grateful to Nathan for his remarkable fundraising efforts, and for sharing with us his memories of Luke. The outstanding £2,335 Nathan has raised so far will directly support our Mountain Rescue volunteers across Scotland with the training, equipment and operational assistance they need as they work to reunite families with their loved ones.
Thank you, Nathan, for channelling your loss into such a meaningful tribute to Luke’s memory. Your dedication is inspiring, and we hope it brings you and your family some comfort to know that Luke’s legacy will live on through the lives you are helping to save.