A FIREFIGHTER from Greenock who climbed Ben Nevis in full fire gear with eight colleagues has raised £7,500 for Scotland’s motor neuron disease charity.
Philip Moir (36) arranged the fund-raising trek in honour of his father Peter Moir who was diagnosed with motor neuron disease (MND) in March 2024 and died in November 2025.
MND is a rapidly progressing terminal neurological illness, which stops signals from the brain reaching the muscles. This causes muscle weakness and wasting. MND can rob someone of the ability to walk, talk, swallow and breathe. There is no cure or meaningful treatment.
Peter first noticed symptoms while scuba diving. He had difficulty breathing and had trouble pressing the air inflators.
“My dad had always lived an active life,” Philip said. “He was a scuba diver for over fifty years. The sea was his freedom. Diving was who he was.”
Philip said, “When my dad was first diagnosed, I knew I wanted to do something. There are eight other firefighters on my Watch, and they all wanted to do something in support of my dad. When the Watch says they’ve got your back, they mean it. They stepped up with no hesitation.
“Our family received so much support from MND Scotland, MND nurses, and MND specialists.”
The group of nine — William McCall, David Anderson, Philip, Jordan Falconer, George McCready, Cassian Kime, Craig Evans, Marc Swan and Jamie Cuffe — chose a challenge that mirrored the demands of their job —climbing Ben Nevis in full fire kit.
Philip said, “Wearing a fire kit on a mountain is a completely different test. It really pushes your body and your mind.”
“On the day of the challenge, we had a team of about 12 volunteers who helped carry water and provided moral support. The teamwork was incredible. Everyone played a part.”
He added: “This was for my dad, and for every family going through the same thing.”
Last month, Greenock Fire Station also held a community car wash day, which helped raise more than £4,700. This will be equally split between The Firefighters’ Charity and MND Scotland.
MND Scotland thanked Philip and the team for their support. To donating to Philip’s effort visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/greenock-fire-ben-nevis
