In February 2017 my cousin Dom went out on his kayak at Portsoy off of the NE cost of Scotland and never came home. No one knew of his  disappearance until 36 hours after he had gone missing. 

I still remember that phone call from my dad very early on the Monday morning to say Dom had gone missing and there was a search taking place to find him. 

The next few days were torture as like most people I stayed up to date with news either via Facebook, family members or the news. 

A massive search tool place and involved the Police, RNLI, and HM Coastguard, who utilised helicopters, lifeboats and light aircraft. It was supported by scores of volunteers including his family who scoured the cliff tops hoping against the odds to find him alive.

Dom’s body was found 5 days later 50 miles adrift from the primary search area. 

What happened to Dom is heartbreaking and I hate the thought of him dying alone at sea in those freezing conditions. 

The search and rescue teams were amazing and so that’s why on the 13th October I am going to be running my first half marathon in Aviemore. I’ve chosen the aviemore half marathon as the beauty of running through the forests and wilderness will spur me on as I know Dom would of loved it. I

Thank you for all your support and thank you to the MacDuff  RNLI station for all the work they do.