Going the distance!
Giant steps made for worthy causes in virtual event
G roup members and individuals across Lanarkshire took strides for charity by taking part in the Virtual Kiltwalk Weekend event.
With lockdown and restrictions putting a halt on the actual Edinburgh Kiltwalk, which was set to take place in the capital city on September 13, people still came together for the love of charity.
Hundreds of people, including 12 members of Lanarkshire Epilepsy and three dogs, took part in either the mighty stride or big stroll.
Lanarkshire Epilepsy members decided to begin their 14- mile challenge at Chatelherault Country Park in Hamilton, finishing at Drumpellier in Coatbridge via Strathclyde Park.
The charity was set up in 2011 to help support the almost 5000 people in Lanarkshire who have epilepsy and support those who care for them.
Its aims are to help overcome the stigma and misunderstanding that there is surrounding the condition.
They also help to alleviate the social isolation that people with epilepsy can feel. This is done through support and education.
Scott Johnstone, project co-ordinator with the group, said: “It was great to be part of a Scotland-wide walk, albeit done on our own, and had to maintain social distancing throughout.
“We raised over £3000, and hope to raise some more as people can still donate via Kiltwalk. Details are on our social media sites.
“The charity would like to thank all of those who took part. Those who donated so generously, the Hunter foundation for adding to the donations and finally Lanark Print Co for providing the tshirts at cost, which helps spread out our funding.”
Elsewhere, Hamilton man John
Nelson took part in his own virtual Kiltwalk to raise funds for the Nelson Mandela Scottish Memorial Foundation, a charity established to commemorate the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela and his lessons for all who care about human rights.
One main objective of the Foundation is to erect a statue of Mandela in Nelson Mandela Place in Glasgow, to act as a focus for information and education about him and his links with Scotland.
John, who is secretary of the Foundation, told the Advertiser: “The Virtual Kiltwalk replaced the big public events this year because of the virus, and participants all had to carry out an activity of their choice in their own local area.
“I decided, with a colleague, Rev Dr Stewart Gillan, who walked in his local area, to walk the originally scheduled distance of 15 miles, but spread it over the three days between September 11 and 13.
“I did so every day in Chatelherault Country Park, where the Green Bridge route happens very conveniently to be a five-mile circuit.”
John and Dr Gillan have raised over £1300 to date for the Foundation.