THE FAMILY OF the Moray teenager who so tragically lost his life in an accident when enjoying the sport he loved are determined to do all they can to reduce the risks to others in similar circumstances.
Keiran McKandie was just 16 when he was involved in an accident earlier this year on the B9010 between Kellas and Dallas. He was on his downhill mountain bike enjoying an outing with friends when he died after being struck by car on the road close to Craigend.
In April, hundreds of mourners turned out in a touching tribute to Keiran, around 25 of his friends leading a funeral cortege on their bikes to the Elgin Town Hall where around 500 paid their final respects to the young man.
Now, in tribute to his memory and love of downhill mountain biking, Keiran’s family will mark what would have been his 17th birthday with a special fundraising event aimed at their being able to purchase defibrillators for local traffic police to carry in their fast-response vehicles.
Keiran’s parents Gordon and Sandra hope to ultimately raise sufficient funding to purchase three defibrillators – one for each of the police response vehicles in Moray.
Sandra said: “We have already approached the local police force to advise them of our intention and have informed them that annual training will be provided free of charge by the appropriate individuals.
“This is in line with Police Scotland objectives for the next year, to ‘reduce road casualties in collaboration with partners’. We are at present awaiting their response on if they will accept these defibrillators.”
Keiran’s birthday is June 23 – so as close as possible to that day has been chosen for an auction and BBQ, which will take place on June 25 at the Miltonduff Hall at 6pm. Framed pictures, bottles of whisky and spa treatments are amongst the items that will be auctioned during the event to help the fundraising efforts.
Sandra added: “One of the defibrillators will be available at the event and a demonstration on how they are used will be given.
“We also wish to raise money so that we can keep Keiran alive by building a downhill track in his honour, so that riders from all over the country can enjoy this amazing sport which he inspired others to achieve and was his passion and world.”
Further details of the event and progress towards it can be found on Keiran’s Facebook Page while donations can be made directly through Keiran McKandie’s Just Giving page.