FAMILY and friends of one of the victims of a helicopter crash in the North Sea two years ago have collected £6,000 in his memory.
Oil rig worker Raymond Doyle, 57, was one of 16 men killed when the Super Puma crashed off Peterhead on April 1, 2009.
Mr Doyle who was married to Wilma for 37 years, had worked offshore for more than 20 years and was employed by KCA Deutag Drilling at Altens Industrial Estate, Aberdeen.
RNLI lifeboats from Peterhead and Fraserburgh spent several hours searching for the crash victims, which inspired the Doyle family, from Condorrat, Cumbernauld, to help them in return.
Mr Doyle’s daughters Lorraine, 33, and Caroline, 35, decided that raising money would recognise the efforts of the charity that day.
Lorraine said: “Although there were no survivors, the RNLI did all they could for the 16 men and we are aware that the RNLI are crucial to the oil industry.”
“We formed a group called Raymie’s Heroes and walked the 96 miles of the West Highland Way from Milngavie to Fort William in July.”
Fraserburgh lifeboat coxswain Vic Sutherland said: “There was a massive search involving 25 vessels and I can remember the end of the first day when we came back to the station with such a sickening feeling that we had not located anyone.
“Since that tragedy we have had so many friends of those people who have come back to say thank you.
“It is humbling for the Doyle family, who have lost a loved one yet have taken the time to raise money for us.”