THE sister of a Heysham man who was tragically killed 10 years ago by a drunk driver has climbed Ben Nevis to raise money for charity.
Tara Smallshaw, whose brother Rory Garnet Driver, died at age 23 in 1999 while on holiday in Australia, took on Britain's highest mountain with a team of prison workers from HMP Kirkham.
She embarked on her 1,344-metre hike up Ben Nevis with colle
agues Lucy Dunleavy and Duncan Cragg, who all raised nearly £500 for Road Peace – the UK charity providing support for victims of road crashes.
Tara, who is SOVA Housing Co-ordinator at HMP Kirkham, said: "Rory was just 23 at the time of the accident. The guy who hit him was three times over the limit, had prescription drugs in his system and had never had a licence, MOT or tax.
"I've always been determined to do something in his memory and this seemed really appropriate because Rory climbed Nevis himself a year before his death.
"It was a huge challenge for us and I'm really thrilled that some of my colleagues joined me in raising money for Road Peace – some of the prisoners from HMP Kirkham sponsored me too, so we have support from all quarters.
"Several members of my family – mum, dad, sister and brother-in-law, as well as some of Rory's friends – also took part which was good as we all kept each other going."
Samantha Dumoulin, Tara's manager at SOVA, the organisation that provides support to socially excluded people, said: "We're really proud of Tara for taking this challenge on – it really is a major achievement."
Anyone who would like to add to the sponsorship money can do so by contacting Tara on
Tara.Smallshaw@hmps.gsi.gov.uk.
