Perth aid worker David Haines, who was murdered by Islamic State terrorists, did not want the Government to pay a ransom for his release even if the other likely option was death, his brother has revealed.
Mike Haines, from Dundee, spoke of the bravery with which 44-year-old David faced his fate.
“David had always said that even if the Government was OK with paying ransoms, if a single pound was paid for his release he would have nothing to do with it,” he said in an interview to mark today’s World Humanitarian Day.
Mike says he is still haunted by his brother’s murder.
He spoke candidly of the anguish the family suffered while David was being held hostage.
David, who still has family in Scone, was killed last September, 18 months after he was captured while on his maiden mission to bring aid to Syrians caught up in the conflict.
His family were unable to speak publicly about the kidnap through fear he would be killed.
The former RAF engineer’s name was eventually made public when he appeared in the background of a video showing the execution of the American journalist Steven Sotloff.
Mr Haines said the writing was on the wall once David was shown in that video brutal footage he has refused to watch, although he remains haunted by still images taken from it.
“My family’s mantra had always been to hope for the best and prepare for the worst,” said Mr Haines.
“We knew there was not a good chance of David coming home. We knew the writing was on the wall.”
Media coverage, and the blackout on the Briton’s identity being lifted, only added to the family’s grief.
“Everywhere you went the images of David’s face … those images in the deep, dark night when I can’t sleep, they haunt me,” he said.
Mr Haines broke down as he recalled the Foreign Office phone call, some two weeks later, confirming the family’s worst fears.
“My gut reaction was that I wanted to run away,” he said. “I didn’t want to have to tell my family that their son, uncle, dad, husband had passed away.”
Mr Haines, who was speaking in support of World Humanitarian Day, added: “As the first anniversary of his death approaches, I still take time to remember him every single day.
“He had his faults, but he was a hero to us. All those humanitarian workers that we honour today are, like him, heroes too.
“The cruelty of his murderers is brought into sharp contrast by the good that my brother brought to the world.
“He dedicated his life to serving people across the world that are in desperate need of assistance.”
‘EXTREMISTS ARE FAILING’
Since the death of his brother, Mike has worked tirelessly to “drown out hateful messages”.
“Promoting this cause has taken me to churches and mosques, schools and youth groups, in both the UK and abroad,” he said.
“At a time when messages of fear and suspicion are broadcast abundantly, one might expect these communities to be unwelcoming and hostile to an outsider.
“Nothing could be further from what I have experienced. Each and every community I have visited has welcomed me with real warmth.
“From Dundee to Bradford to Rome, I have been overwhelmed by the messages of comfort and support that have been offered to me by individuals of all religions and backgrounds. Their words have given me courage and inspired me to push on with my work.
“I have also experienced the joy of new friendships and felt an ever-present arm of humanity around my shoulder.
“Likewise, these have bridged all faiths and none from atheists to Imams to Pope Francis.
“If the last 12 months has demonstrated one thing to me, it is the will and determination of British Muslims and communities from all faiths to stand up to Isis and all purveyors of hate.
“The continual attempts of extremists to spread fear and discord are failing, while Muslim communities and British society at large have become only united in their defiance of evil.
“As we engage with one another, so we build understanding. Through this understanding we build lasting partnerships.
“It is through these that we build our ability to challenge the undercurrents of evil in our society, and to coexist in peace.”