Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Grand end to a journey full of emotions
Parentsraiseover£1000onwalk tomarktheirlatedaughter’s18th
A Coatbridge couple went on an emotional journey as they marked their late daughter’s 18th birthday and raised more than £1000 for the charity set up in her honour.
Julie and Bryan Morrison spent 10 days walking the John Muir Way, covering 134 miles from Helensburgh on the west coast to Dunbar in the east.
They received a “heroes’ welcome” from family and friends as they reached the finish on what would have been the special birthday of their beloved daughter Erin, who was stillborn in July 2003.
Back home in Shawhead, they then hosted a sociallydistanced street party with neighbours to boost the fundraising total – and even took part in a surprise renewal of their wedding vows, to the delight of family and friends.
The couple, who founded charity Baby Loss Retreat which supports bereaved parents, decided to take on the Still Walking challenge to honour Erin’s birthday in special style.
Julie said of their coastto-coast walk: “The first day was OK but the second, from Balloch to Strathblane, was the most difficult.
“We were climbing mountains and it was 25 degrees, so that was the worst one – we also ran out of water halfway so had to meet up with one of the support team for more.
“At first we were camping but as we went along, we had really bad blisters. And when we met up with Forth Valley Radio they put out an announcement and people donated £200 for hotels for us so that we could look after our feet and get a good rest for each day’s walk.
“It was fantastic to see the amazing views and beautiful parts of Scotland along the way. Our favourite was North Berwick, where there were absolutely stunning views.
“People along the way were asking us all about the charity, which was great – and one of the best things about it was spending that time together.
“We did about 15 miles per day and went through about 10 boxes of plasters for blisters!”
The intrepid couple finally completed their challenge in East Lothian on Erin’s birthday after 10 days of walking, and were greeted by a welcoming committee of supporters including their children Demi, Aiden and Leon.
Julie said: “All the family was there and when we turned round the last corner they were all clapping, screaming and had big banners saying ‘congratulations’.
“It was quite emotional, being Erin’s birthday – when I woke up that morning I didn’t feel great but knew we needed to finish it.
“Erin would have been 18 and doing things like driving lessons, and it was emotional to think of her on the day.”
The couple’s fundraising continued at home with the street party, including music, a bouncy castle, refreshments and a raffle – which the neighbours now plan to make an annual event.
It also included the vow renewal ceremony, secretly organised by Bryan as a surprise for his wife of 17 years.
Julie said: “When I found out what was really happening I just burst out crying.
“We had family there from Blackpool and Wales and our friends and neighbours – and of course our children were there, and our daughter Demi read a poem.
“It was emotional and so special to have everybody there.
“We couldn’t have asked for better.”
She added: “The street party was fantastic. The neighbours loved it, the feedback was so positive, and everyone looked happy after the struggles of the past 18 months.
“It was a great way to get the community involved and raised another £300, and it means all the neighbours now know about Baby Loss Retreat and the support we can provide for anyone who needs it.”