Hamish was working extremely long hours, making and fitting his metal components to each stretcher tub.

Richard’s personal life then entered a very difficult period. It began with the death of his father. While recovering from that loss Richard was diagnosed with advanced cancer. The treatment was long and debilitating. Fortunately he was able go to live with his mother and she nursed him back to health with love and encouragement.

Unfortunately composite moulds too have a finite life. While Richard was out of action the Mk7’s mould reached the end of its useful life and production had to stop until a new mould could be built.

Although Richard was physically challenged at that time, mentally he had caught something of Hamish’s passion for improving the stretchers. He redesigned the shape, making the tub wider and eliminating some sharp edges. These changes will make the new Mk8 stretcher far more user friendly. Richard also re-engineered the composite shell design, in the light of the experience gained with the Mk7 model. Happy with these changes, he ordered a CNC machined pattern of the new tub shape.

Sadly, just as Richard was recovering his fitness and was starting to get his teeth into making the new mould, his mother’s health started to fail. All too quickly it was his turn to nurse her and he had to down tools again. The following long months were a nightmare as Richard struggled to cope with the exhaustion of being his mother’s 24/7 care provider.
The Glanville’s had always been a very close family. Relatives had jokingly referred to them as being like a three legged stool, stable even on rough ground because they worked so well together. As his mother weakened, all she wanted was for him to sit and hold her hand.
After Richard’s mother’s funeral, he was surprised to find that he was unable to contact Hamish. At first he assumed that Hamish was away from home and it was some time before Richard learned that Hamish was seriously ill and in hospital. Not only was his illness a personal shock to Richard but it also put the future of their stretcher production at risk. Richard had no knowledge of the equipment that Hamish added to the composite tub. Without Hamish’s guidance, the new MacInnes Mk8 stretcher would never be produced.

Fortunately Hamish is as tough as the mountains he climbed. He has been declared dead three times but always comes back for more. He has now made a remarkable recovery but realises that it is time for him to retire. He has therefore handed over his side of the production to Richard. Fortunately for everyone, Hamish will continue to give Richard his invaluable advice