A MAN whose wife died after refusing life-saving treatment to give birth to their son has scaled Scotland's highest mountain on the anniversary of her death.

Steven Phillips, 33, climbed Ben Nevis to raise money for those who cared for his wife. The couple, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, were devastated when doctors broke the news that 20-week pregnant Brenda had breast cancer.

The first-time mother, 33, refused to have a termination, which would have allowed her to have high doses of chemotherapy straight away.

Instead she had a ­mastectomy at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary and ­underwent three courses of low-dose chemotherapy to ensure baby Oliver would not be harmed.

Following his birth in August last year Brenda was given a high dose of chemotherapy in November but the cancer had spread to her brain and she died six days before Christmas.

Steven said his charity challenge, which has raised more than £20,000, made him feel closer to his late wife.

He said: "I miss her every day and wish she had been here to see Oliver growing up. She did the bravest thing a mother could ever do.

"I've just tried to take some of the strength Brenda showed. I'm just glad I was a part of her life."