Family take on Loch Leven walkathon
Dad’s stroke inspired Brinklows to help charity
A Perth family is getting ready to take on a charity walkathon, after their dad suffered a stroke last year.
Now in its eighth year, the annual Loch Leven Walkathon in Kinross-shire for Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland will take place on Sunday, March 25.
The Brinklow family from the Fair City is getting ready to put on their walking boots, after Gordon Brinklow (41) suffered from a stroke seven years ago.
Gordon, a warehouse manager in Perth, unexpectedly went blind for an hour seven years ago, leaving his family shocked and confused. The healthy dad of three had blood clots in each eye, which had stopped the flow of blood to the optic nerve, after suffering from a transient ischaemic attack, or a minor stroke.
Now that Gordon has fully recovered, he along with his wife Fiona and children Deanna (14), Holly (12) and Paige (7) will take on the challenge of the Loch Leven Walkathon.
Fiona, who works as a childminder in Perth, said all five of them have taken part in the charity event each year since it began in 2011.
She said: “When Gordon had his stroke, we were shocked how suddenly and quickly this kind of thing could happen.
“It came without any warning, and we couldn’t believe how it could happen to someone so young.
“It gave us a real fright, but Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland gave us great support afterwards and we have raised money for the charity ever since.
“Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland’s information leaflets were different from the others we received - the others seemed to focus on helping elderly people but Gordon was only in his early 40s.”
She continued: “For us as a family, the walkathon at Loch Leven is a great way to give something back.
“The first time I did the walk, I was pregnant and then I had a pram. The next time it was with a buggy, and now the children walk it themselves.
“I’d encourage anyone to take part, it’s a very accessible route for families and a really beautiful walk.”
This year, there will be three different routes around the iconic Kinross-shire loch on offer,
The Brinklows have taken part in the annual event for a number of years RSPB Loch Leven Picture by Alex Gilfillan including a seven kilometre long Easter egg hunt for children, a 12 kilometre route, and a half marathon 13 mile-round circuit.
To sign up for the Loch Leven Walkathon for Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland, visit www.chss. org.uk/lochleven or call 0300 1212 111.