An offshore diver whose father was killed in the Piper Alpha disaster is preparing to take on a gruelling challenge in his memory.
William Cowie was on his first trip offshore when the disaster happened 30 years ago.
The 33-year-old was one of 167 killed when explosions ripped through the rig, 120 miles north-east of Aberdeen, in July 1988.
Now his son, Stuart, is preparing to take on a 200-mile cycling challenge to raise money for the upkeep of the memorial for those killed, which is at Hazlehead Park in Aberdeen.
The 36-year-old will cycle from John O’Groats to his home in Buckie in aid of Pound for Piper.
William said: “I’m doing it to raise as much money and awareness as I can for the Piper Alpha Memorial Garden in Aberdeen. People don’t just come to the garden when an anniversary comes up, they turn up all year.
“I was seven when I lost my dad, then there’s my brother Christopher who was six and Scott who was one.”
William, who works as a saturation diver offshore, is aiming to carry out the bike challenge in May – within 13 hours.
To support William’s effort, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stucowiemcrt200
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