Pals carry motorcycle helmet of tragic Cumnock soldier to summit of Ben Nevis

Jamie Alderton suffered from PTSD from his army days and struggled with serious mental health problemsbefore taking his own life on the night of his 46th birthday.

He was left looking for the same adrenaline buzz the military gave him when he discovered high speed motorcycle racing.

Now his heartbroken partner of 15 years and best friends have taken his helmet to the top of the UK’s highest mountain to honour the army hero.

Nurse Lynda Gurthie, 41, was left devastated after losing the love of her life Jamie last November but has vowed to keep his memory alive.

Children as young as 10 joined the climb battling brutal conditions to make sure the helmet reached the summit.

They cheered each other on the whole way and after nine hours the friends finally reached the top.

Lynda said: “Getting up the hill was hell on earth but I kept thinking about Jamie and his conditions in the army which helped me keep going.

“We brought big balloons and things up to the top of the summit and also took Jamie’s motorbike helmet with us.

“It was our way of making sure he came with us to the top and let us all remember him.

“We raised over £1000 which is amazing and we are still adding it all up.

“It was really good because we were all motivating each other to get up, we all had different fitness levels and capabilities so it was great having everyone cheer each other on.

“In the morning there was a feather in my hair and a robin sitting right outside my tent which I took as a sign as Jamie being with us.

“What a release it was when we got to the top it was incredible. If it wasn’t for Jamie there would be no way I would have made it.

“It’s very sad how things ended up, we were together all the time we never parted. I just didn’t see it coming.

“I got through it by having such great people around me so it was really amazing to have them all around me at the top of Ben Nevis.”

Scott Campbell, 28, said: “It was one of the best weekends of my life with everyone there.

“I took the helmet up with me in my rucksack because it was my way of taking him with me.

“He couldn’t be there so his helmet was. Now I am planning on taking it up Mount Everest in 2021.

“I felt I had to, he was my best pal, we were so close. Some days are really hard without him so I just want to do what I can to keep him with me.”

Robert Marsh, director of fundraising at Combat Stress, said: “Veterans wait on average 13 years after leaving the military before seeking help from Combat St ress for mental health problems.

“We know there are more veterans out there struggling in silence. We strongly encourage them or their loved ones to call our 24-hour helpline on 0800 138 1619.”

Suicide is currently the single biggest killer in men under 45 in the UK.