Friends climb peak in memory of man killed in Gaza

Friends of a man killed one year ago in Gaza have climbed the highest peak in south Wales in his memory.

James Kirby, 47, from Bristol, was one of seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) workers killed in an Israeli airstrike on an aid convoy on 1 April 2024.

To mark the first anniversary of his death, Mr Kirby's friends took part in a sunrise climb of Pen Y Fan, as it was one his "favourite routes".

Andy Watts told the BBC: "There were 20 of us up there. He loved it, the waterfalls and everything, so we did it to honour him a year on, and we're going to try to do it every year, that's the plan."

Mr Watts continued: "We raised a glass of rum - James' favourite drink - and we got a big flag with his name on, with Bristol City on, and his rifles badge, we had a little sing-song, took some photos and came back down."

He grew up with Mr Kirby in Bristol, describing him as a "true gentleman" who was "funny, witty, kind, caring, just one of the nicest people on earth".

"Everyone he met, he made them smile. You couldn't wish for a better friend," added Mr Watts.

Meanwhile, the team at Trojan Fitness Gym in Ashton, Bristol, where James was a member, created the Kirby Workout to raise money in his memory last year.

One year on, dozens of people took part in the challenge again.

Trojan Gym's managing director, Matt Hudd, said: "Every year we're going to honour this workout.

"His taste in music was definitely colourful. Today, the gym playlist is for Kirby. We had Sex Pistols' 'God save the Queen' blasting out at five past six this morning.

"He was just a good proper bloke. He'd do anything for anyone. What happened was tragic and we miss him massively. We can still pay respects to him in our way. He'd be smiling at us playing Sex Pistols this morning at 6am."

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