The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Teenagers take 96-mile hike in memory of ‘Papa’
Dundee sisters walk West Highland Way to raise vital cash for BHF
A pair of teenage sisters have gone the extra mile to raise money for charity in memory of their beloved grandfather.
Georgia and Kathryn Davidson, from Broughty Ferry, took on the 96-mile West Highland Way in aid of the British Heart Foundation (BHF).
The pair have been raising money for the charity since their grandfather, Peter Hutchison, died in February while undergoing heart surgery.
With coronavirus leaving BHF finances in dire straights, the Grove Academy pupils wanted to do even more to help.
Georgia, 17, said: “I wanted something to look forward to when lockdown was lifting. I have been missing sport and was keen to stay fit and healthy.
“It was great to plan and have a focus at a time that would otherwise have been really difficult. I think my Papa would be really pleased with Kathryn and I.
“He loved adventure thought it a fitting tribute.”
The teenagers chose the West Highland Way, from Milngavie to Fort William, as their grandfather was an avid hillwalker, and raised £1,200 through sponsors.
They completed days.
Kathryn, 16, said: “I feel a massive sense of achievement now we are finished.
“My feet are so sore and blistered and that’s on top of the midge bites.
“Despite that, I think it may something for me for next year.
“An amazing experience and lifetime memories with my big sister.”
The coronavirus pandemic has been the biggest challenge BHF has faced in its 60-year history.
The charity’s budget for this year has halved due to the temporary closure of its 750 charity shops, as well as cancelling fundraising events.
“He loved adventure and so we thought it a fitting tribute. GEORGIA DAVIDSON
the and walk so in we six be
James Jopling, head of BHF Scotland, said: “We are so grateful to Georgia and Kathryn for their fantastic efforts.
“To have such loyal supporters at such a difficult time means a great deal.
“Over the last few months, it has been truly inspiring to see our volunteers and fundraisers continuing to rise to the challenge, even at this extraordinary time, finding new ways to help us support the 720,000 people across Scotland living with heart and circulatory diseases.
“But the coronavirus crisis will unfortunately have a long-lasting and devastating impact on charities like ours, with our funding for new research falling by £50 million this year alone.
“That’s why, not only do we need urgent help from our wonderful supporters, we’re also urging the UK Government to ensure funding for vital research charities.”