A DRUMCHAPEL man has raised more than £10,000 for charity by completing a trek along one of Scotland’s most famous routes alongside his best friend.

Joe Devlin, 43, and his pal, 42-year-old David White, have been friends and colleagues since they met as apprentice engineers 26 years ago, and the pair decided to do something spectacular to mark their long friendship.

In June, the Post reported that the pair not only set off to take on the West Highland Way in just four days, they added in the 96-mile trek of climbing Ben Nevis to raise even more funds for the charity.

Initially their target was £3,000, but in November, they handed over an incredible £10,799.40 to Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland.

The chums chose the charity because each has a personal connection to heart and lung conditions.

Joe’s mum, Janet Gilmour, had stents fitted in her heart and lived with COPD before passing away six years ago. 

David’s dad, Tony, had two heart attacks in his early 50s and a quadruple bypass following the second aged just 52. Tony is now 82 and still healthy.

David said: “Joe and I completed the West Highland Way in our four days. We both agree that the best part of the experience was definitely the stunning scenery, and climbing the snow filled Ben Nevis at the end was just incredible.

“It was an amazing experience and one we will never forget. We were thrilled to hand over such a large amount thanks to our work.”

Their employer, international spirits company the Edrington Group, has double matched their total for the charity.

They said: “Supporting our employees in giving back to their communities is an important part of Edrington’s culture.

We were delighted to add our contribution to David and Joe’s fantastic fund-raising effort for Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland.”