Glasgow man smashes fundraising target and raises over £6,000 in memory of beloved mum

He braved the climb to raise awareness of COPD, the chronic lung condition that sadly took her life, and to raise vital funds for charity, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland.

The fundraising hero smashed his target and has raised an incredible £6,180 for the charity, who help people across the country who are living with COPD. Christopher managed to raise a whopping £1,270 of the total in the final day of his challenge alone.

Christopher’s friends and family were eager to get behind him and support the cause as his mum was dearly loved by all and his Dad is sadly still battling with the condition every day.

Around 138,000 people in Scotland are living with COPD which causes breathing difficulties and long-term damage to your airways.

On November 30, 2019, Christopher’s world turned upside down when his beloved mum, Marie Milne, passed away. Marie had suffered with COPD for many years.

Marie was dearly loved by everyone who knew her, and they were all devastated by the news. Marie worked with Celtic Football Club for nearly 20 years and was much-loved by many at the Club, including some of the players.

Christopher has been overwhelmed by the response to his challenge from friends, family, and the wider community. It has been a hugely special challenge for him to undertake after a very difficult year.

Christopher said: “My world turned was turned upside down when I lost my Mum. I still really struggle with the grief; she was everything to me and was so highly thought of by all my friends. She treated them like her own children, and they all miss her dearly.

“It was an incredibly emotional day climbing Ben Nevis with my close friends. It was amazing when we finally reached the top and knew we had done this climb in my Mum’s memory. I know she’ll be proud.

“I have been overwhelmed by all the support we have received. It has been amazing to smash our target and to help raise awareness of this horrible disease that she suffered with every day. I couldn’t believe we raised £1,270 in the final 24 hours; it’s been incredible.

“I still miss my Mum every single day. It was really important for me to do something special in her memory, to help others and make a difference. So, thank you to everyone who has supported me.”

Jane-Claire Judson, Chief Executive at Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, said: “It is wonderful to be part of Christopher’s heartfelt challenge that means so much to him and his friends during such a difficult time for them all. It is fantastic to have his support and to help raise awareness of COPD, which has a devastating impact on many people and their families across Scotland.

“The money raised from Christopher’s incredible challenge will help make sure that people living with COPD in Scotland get the help and support they need. Thank you to Christopher, and everyone who has supported him!”

If you want to get behind Christopher and help the 138,000 people in Scotland living with COPD, like Christopher’s dad, please visit his JustGiving page here