David Heavy Whalley, a mountain rescue veteran with nearly 40 years of service, has opened up about his recent terminal illness diagnosis.
Heavy, known for his pivotal role at the Lockerbie disaster and numerous other rescue missions, has been diagnosed with stage four liver disease earlier this year. At 71, residing in Burghead, Moray, Heavy is one of the UK’s most experienced mountain rescuers, having responded to over 1,000 mountain incidents and dozens of air accidents.
Heavy’s journey with his illness began five years ago when he noticed declining health during his hillwalking trips. His diagnosis came in March this year, following the Covid pandemic, and since then, he has been sharing his experiences online.
Heavy’s nickname, given during his RAF days due to his small stature but immense determination, is well-known in the climbing community. Despite the emotional toll of his diagnosis, he remains resilient. “I was told I had six to nine months to live. So, we just have to keep going and see what happens,” he shared.
Throughout his career, Heavy has led teams at RAF Leuchars, RAF Kinloss, and RAF Valley, and served as president of the Search and Rescue Dog Association Scotland (SARDA). His leadership during the Lockerbie disaster, where 270 people perished, left an indelible mark on him. “The place was like hell,” he recounted, highlighting the mental toll of such missions.
Heavy advocated for military support for rescuers suffering from post-traumatic stress, a legacy he proudly acknowledges. Training young rescue team members to be compassionate remains one of his most rewarding achievements.
His involvement in significant rescues, like the 1994 RAF Chinook crash, showcases his dedication and bravery. Heavy’s passion for the outdoors took him across Scotland and beyond, forging lifelong friendships.
Photo:Wreckage from the Chinook crash was strewn across the hillside on the Mull of Kint
Following his diagnosis, Heavy focused on “death clearing,” giving away possessions and raising money for charity. He has even planned his funeral and intends to donate his body to medical science. Despite his health challenges, he finds solace in the mountains, saying, “I get great joy just looking at the hills.”
Facing the end of his life, Heavy cherishes the support of his family and friends, particularly his granddaughters and close friend Kalie. With a smile, he reflects on his life: “I didn’t expect to live this long,” he chuckled, embodying the spirit that earned him his nickname.