Big-hearted walkers raise half a million pounds for charities

KILTWALK: High turnout for fundraising walk from St Andrews to Monifieth means more than 350 worthy causes will benefit

Kind-hearted walkers raised more than £500,000 for local charities by trekking through Tayside and Fife. This year’s Kiltwalk started in St Andrews before heading to Dundee, then east to finish in Monifieth – a 25-mile route. Philanthropist Sir Tom Hunter and Sky Sports presenter Jim White waved off the walkers who were doing their bit for more than 350 charities. The challenge was split into three distances – Mighty Stride, Big Stroll and Wee Wander – to suit people of all ages and abilities. Leading out Dundee’s Mighty Stride was family duo Jock McKay and Kai Anderson. Kai, 14, was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a rare condition where part of his heart is underdeveloped, and has a chronic lung condition. He was pushed the full 25 miles in his wheelchair by stepfather Jock to raise cash for Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, where he undergoes treatment. Kai recently lost his mother to an aggressive form of cancer, so chose to complete the journey in her honour. Also leading the Mighty Stride was Brydon Greenhill and Louise Murray, walking for FEAT Stop Sepsis Now. Brydon and Louise lost their daughter and sister, Laura, suddenly to sepsis two years ago. Laura developed the disease after getting a small cut on her foot that would not heal. After receiving treatment in hospital for a number of weeks, she sadly passed away. The Big Stroll was led by Hayley Ramsay, walking for the Scottish Burned Children’s Club. Hayley’s stepsister died when she was three years old, after an accident where she sustained severe burns. Toby Etheridge, 13, led the Wee Wander with mother Alison. They were raising money for his own charity, Toby’s Magical Journey. Toby was diagnosed with leukaemia aged nine and after years of raising money for various cancer charities, decided to start his own. Paul Clooney, Kiltwalk CEO, said: “We are overwhelmed by the turnout with walker numbers increasing by a third on last year. With the Hunter Foundation’s 40% top-up that means so many more great causes in this area will benefit from the blood, sweat and tears of our walkers. “It’s been a special day and the stories of each and every one of our heroes is what will live long in the memory. Thanks to them for making such a difference.” All Kiltwalkers were fed, watered and entertained on the route at pit stops put on by various charities, including Calums Cabin and Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity – fuelling the walkers with fresh fruit, chocolate, crisps, water and soup. The last of this year’s Kiltwalks takes place in Edinburgh on September 16.

On a dreich day, the efforts of 3,000 people were a ray of sunshine across Tayside and Fife. Those who took part in the Kiltwalk, marching from St Andrews to Monifieth, deserve to feel good about themselves as they nurse their aching feet and legs this morning. Everyone has a story or a motivation as to why they took part. Some will have made their reasons public, others will not. All should be proud of their achievements in raising money for good causes. Well done to them.

Toby Etheridge, Alison Etheridge and Ruth Allen begin the Wee Wander.

Pictures: Steven Brown. SAMH Kiltwalkers, top, cross the 18th hole on the Old Course in St Andrews on their 25-mile effort to the Monifieth finish line. Meanwhile, enthusiastic supporters got into the spirit in spite of the rain, cheering on the walkers from the sidelines.

The Moonie family travelled all the way from Ireland to take part.