On top of the World - ghting Covid

PAWEL AND DAVY ‘ON TOP OF THE WORLD’ TO BEAT COVID

Iain Ferguson When commercial diver Davy Duncan set off last February for a job in Mexico, he had no idea just how life changing an experience it would become, when shortly after starting work he became infected with the Coronavirus, with devastating effect.

From a strong and healthy individual, he was soon admitted to hospital and put into an an induced coma by an expert team, who gave him the second-tonone treatment which undoubtedly saved his life.

Before leaving, on what was to be a short term contract, Davy and his partner, Helen Smith, had bought and worked tirelessly to build up their business, ‘Not Just Desserts’, with a cafe in Fort William High Street and cafe/restaurant near Oban. They were also working on opening an Italian Restaurant ‘The Wee Olive’ next to their High Street outlet in Fort William. Helen was also a keen runner with Lochaber Athletic Club and together they set up the local ‘Park Run’ movement.

When Davy took ill, all of this was put on hold and Helen set off for Mexico to be near him while he was hospitalised, with the intention of being with him when he woke up.

Not being in a tourist spot, she found few people spoke English, even in the

hospital, but was nonetheless overwhelmed by their kindness and empathy in doing all they could to communicate and keep her up to date.

Being alone and realising everyone at home was desperate for news, she posted her thoughts on Facebook, often of amusing anecdotes of her ‘adventures’ due to not speaking Spanish, never feeling sorry for herself or for Davy.

Her tenacity paid off when he did waken, very weak after multiple organ failures and even strokes induced by the bacteria reaching his brain. He was understandably confused but also determined to get well and get home.

After a few setbacks he did just that, with a special medical flight across the world, to a bed in

Raigmore. He was recently transferred to the Belford in Fort William where his care and physiotherapy is ongoing and he is also allowed out in his Helenpropelled wheelchair for short journeys - even to their home, a trip they both hope will soon be a permanent arrangement. Many friends have and still are fully supporting them ‘virtually’ to protect both of them from the possibility of other infections, although a few, along with members of the family have made actual contact.

To further support them, their friend and runner Pawel

Cymbalista from Mallaig decided to undertake a challenge to run up and down Ben Nevis as often as he could in 24 hours, setting his sights on completing eight trips. He also set up an internet funding site with a target of raising £5000.

Surprisingly, while the Ben is a regular venue for fund raisers of all kinds, this particular challenge had only be undertaken once before by local man Charlie Anderson, who, in 2006 had completed six ascents and descents in that period.

On finding out about the challenge to his record, Charlie immediately met up with Pawel and helped talk him through the many aspects of the run, what he had found most useful and the most difficult.

After many delays due to bad weather, Pawel eventually started his challenge at 11pm on Saturday October 9 in the usual Lochaber rain.

At 10.20am on Sunday October 10, after running through wind, rain, cold and often poor visibility, he finished his seventh complete leg and was happy to have succeeded in setting a new record.

Throughout the run he was accompanied by a few friends and fellow runners, meeting up with a support team on the summit, who had set themselves up to be there for him, with warm food and drinks on every run. Charlie Anderson, too, spent the night hours on the Ben, laying out glowing markers to keep Pawel on the path in the darkness and mist.

At ground level, Pawel’s wife Ashley, with daughters Freya, aged 3, and Maiya, 10, were also waiting for him, with copious quantities of encouragement and more hot food to keep him going.

Having run more than the height of Mount Everest, Pawel also managed to have a personal meeting with Davy, who was also ‘on top of the world’ at his achievement.