Two men killed in air crash were returning from charity Ben Nevis walk

Two men have died in a light aircraft crash while returning from a charity walk on Ben Nevis.

Anthony Woodward, 62, who worked at Bedfont -based logistics company Map Cargo, was killed in the aircraft crash along with his friend Robert Archer, 57.

Their plane crashed two miles off the coast of Skipness, between the Mull of Kintyre and the Isle of Arran, on Thursday (May 25).

A JustGiving page set up ahead of the charity walk to raise funds for Shooting Star Chase has been updated to confirm the death of Mr Woodward and Mr Archer.

The total raised for the children's hospice charity, based on the Addlestone and Weybridge border, now totals £4,373.64, more than double their original target.

The charity has children's hospices based in Guildford and Hampton.

A statement from Mr Woodward's family on the fundraising page reads: "The total immediately after the climb was around £2,600, plus a secret stash of a few hundred in cash donations that Tony was collecting privately.

"We're so pleased that people have continued to give in their memory. Tony would, and the charity will, appreciate every penny.

"After completing the epic journey up Ben Nevis, tragically Tony and one of the other walkers, Bob, died in a light aircraft crash on their way home.

"This was devastating news for all involved, but we are hoping that people will dig deep and contribute what they can to this amazing charity that he passionately supported."

"Great character"

Following the crash, a statement on the Map Cargo website said Mr Woodward "touched everyone he met in such a positive way".

"Tony had just completed an epic journey walking up Ben Nevis in Scotland, raising money for the Shooting Star Chase Charity, a children’s hospice based in Weybridge," the statement said.

"Following this devastating news, Tony’s family are hoping that people will dig deep and contribute what they can to this amazing charity that he passionately supported.

"Tony was a great character and could never do enough for the staff, family or local charities. He was a great part of our team and loved by all.

"Our prayers and condolences go out to Tony’s family, Valerie, Nathan and Mel, in the hope they can get some comfort in knowing how he touched everyone he met in such a positive way.

"We also send condolences to the Archer family at this difficult time. RIP Tony and Bob from all at Mapcargo."

Extensive search

Debris from the plane, which left Oban Airport and was expected at Carlisle Lake District Airport, was found on the same day.

A helicopter from Prestwick and four lifeboats were sent to the scene after the wreckage was found.

The men's bodies were discovered after an extensive search carried out by police, coastguard and lifeboat services.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said the search came to an end on Thursday night following the discovery.

A spokesman for Police Scotland said: "The bodies of the men have now been formally identified and they can be named as Anthony Woodward, 62 and Robert Archer, 57.

"Relatives are aware. A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal."