Racing legend David Coulthard has sent a message of support to a north man battling a rare terminal cancer.
Neil Bremner is currently living life to the full “appreciating each day and each hug” during his battle with leiomyosarcoma.
The father-of-two was diagnosed with the cancer, which affects one in 20 million people, at the end of 2019, and was told by doctors he does not have much longer to live.
Determined to help keep the 43-year-old’s spirits up, his wife Sarah contacted Coulthard’s representatives to see if he would send a positive message along.
And, much to his delight, the Scottish star sent a video message in which he says: “I know you are going through a very difficult time and I just wanted to send you a message of support”.
He later reveals a sculpture gifted to him made entirely of the parts of a Mercedes Formula 1 car of a Scotsman, before pressing a button to lift his kilt.
Mr Bremner, who is originally from Aviemore but now lives in Banff, said: “With all my last plans in life cancelled, it is these amazing gestures that keep me being the cheery, smiley dad I need to be.
“It was a real honour to receive the video.
“I have always had a lot of respect for this guy, now even more so. What a great lad. It certainly got me laughing.
“He also sent a fantastic signed copy of his new book a few months ago. The guy is amazing.”
Friends had organised an event for Neil, called the North Hop for Neil festival, but due to the current restrictions in place surrounding coronavirus, it was cancelled.
However, Mr Bremner was touched when Dog Falls Brewery sent him some beers to cheer him up.
“Dog Falls Brewery were looking after the North Hop for Neil beers and out of the blue on Monday, Bob wrote me a wee note and sent a few beers, as a wee gesture to cheer me up,” he added.
“To take the time to do that after all those months, means a lot.
“My wife and kids are facing an uncertain future, with lots of financial considerations ahead.
“This is one of the few things that I feel so helpless and depressed about.”
He thanked his employers, Hawco and Sons, for their support which will help secure his family’s future.
He said absolutely no gesture goes unnoticed, adding: “I have had customers send baking, letters of support and even offers for activities for the girls, for later, when times are tough for them.
“I am blown away by all this when so many people are suffering and have their own worries and anguish.
“It is inspiring that people can still show such love and kindness.
“Hopefully my girls can grow up knowing that, even when the world can look so bleak, there is always hope in the individuals around you.”
