Lewis

When Lewis takes a step over the edge of Port of Leith Distillery (the world’s tallest whisky distillery!) it won’t just be about conquering his fear of heights. It will be a powerful tribute to two people who meant everything to him.

Lewis is taking on this incredible abseil challenge in memory of his dad, Daniel, and his sister, Morgan, both of whom he lost to cancer within just six months of each other.

Morgan died in April last year from ovarian cancer at just 28 years old, just six months after they lost their dad.

"My dad was hardworking, had a great sense of humour, and was completely devoted to his family," Lewis shares. "Morgan was creative, dedicated, and a really talented painter - she definitely had my dad’s sense of humour too. Her cancer went undetected for quite some time, which makes it even harder."

Lewis describes his family as incredibly close, something that has made their loss even more profound.

"Losing them has meant adjusting to a completely new normal, not just losing a dad and a sister, but kids losing a grandad and an auntie as well. That ripple effect is something you really feel."

Through his journey, Lewis has come to understand something many people experiencing loss will recognise:

"The most important thing I’ve learned is that grief doesn’t disappear - we grow around it. That’s something I’ve discovered through support, and through being open and sharing how I feel."

It’s this understanding that led Lewis to support Cruse Scotland.

"What stood out to me is the support they give to both adults and young people at all stages of grief."

For Lewis, this challenge is deeply personal in more ways than one.

"I’ve worked in the whisky industry for over a decade, so it felt fitting," he explains. "But heights have never really been my thing, which is ironic because my dad spent his working life working at height."

He adds: "Morgan was young, carefree, and definitely the kind of person who would have talked me into doing something like this. So in a way, it feels like something they’d both appreciate."

As the approaches at the start of May, Lewis admits the nerves are real… but so is the motivation.

"I’m most looking forward to having all my family there, it’s a chance for us all to come together. That means more than anything."

"The nerves are definitely there with the height, but it’s one of those ‘feel the fear and do it anyway’ moments - one foot in front of the other."

Lewis has already raised over £1,400 - significantly smashing his original target.

"It’s amazing. From the start, my aim was to bring family together, raise awareness, and support the charity and the work they do.

"The generosity and support has been incredible, and to have already smashed the target just shows how much people care."

If you’d like to support Lewis and help Cruse Scotland continue their vital work supporting children, young people and adults who are struggling to cope with their grief, please consider making a donation on his page by clicking here.