Kind-hearted Kiltwalk fundraisers a tartan triumph

Charity supporters from across Lanarkshire put their best foot forward as they tackled last Sunday’s Kiltwalk in Glasgow to raise funds for a host of good causes close to their hearts.

Thousands of walkers took part in its three events, rising to the challenge of either the 22.6-mile Mighty Stride from the city centre to Loch Lomond, or the 14-mile Big Stroll and three-mile Wee Wander.

Lanarkshire participants who were among the 800 taking part in the Kiltwalk for Beatson cancer charity told of their very personal motivations for taking part in the fundraiser.

Hamilton resident William McKenna, 60, walked with his friend, 63-year old William Robertson from East Kilbride.

Ahead of the Kiltwalk, William McKenna said:“The Beatson is important to me because my motherin-law has cancer and has been attending The Beatson for a few years now and still is, so I have seen at first hand the wonderful job that they do.

“My dad sadly passed away seven years ago following a cancer diagnosis.

“My friend William, who I’m doing the walk with, also had cancer a number of years ago and he is now thankfully clear.

“I’ve seen how cancer can affect not just the patient but also families, so any funds that can be raised for places like the Beatson to care for patients and carry out research to hopefully find a cure one day is worth it.”

Uddingston woman Nicola Murphy, 29, was fundraising for the“amazing” charity after her younger sister, Natalie, was recently diagnosed with cancer.

She said:“Natalie has two young children and has been an absolute inspiration for how strong she has been throughout.

“I chose to do my fundraising for The Beatson as they have been amazing in offering help and support to my sister – every appointment and every phone call, she feels comfortable.”

The Beatson’s fundraisers at this year’s Kiltwalk ranged in age from five to 95, and the 800 walkers in 152 teams represented their highest-ever number of participants in the event – which has raised more than £1.2 million for the charity’s work over the years.

Before Sunday’s event, community fundraising manager Maisie McCormick said:“We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who is taking part in the event for our charity.

“Their outstanding support allows us to continue and develop new services to help cancer patients and their families.”

To find out more information about the Beatson cancer charity and its work and support, head to https://www. beatsoncancercharity.org/