Cheers to the champs
Thousands raised for charities
Hundreds of people went the distance across Renfrewshire at the weekend as they completed the 2021 virtual Kiltwalk for charities close to their hearts.
Thousands of pounds was raised for national charities and muchloved local organisations, with readers sending their fantastic pictures to the Paisley Daily Express to mark their achievement.
Much-loved Paisley charity The Star Project was delighted when volunteers Freda Robertson Ali Robertson and Frankie Greenwood raised £4,657 by walking the 26 miles from Quarriers Village to Largs.
Dozens of Scouts and Guides also laced up their walking boots for another much loved organisation, with members from scout and guide groups across Renfrewshire bringing in thousands of pounds for Lapwing Lodge which needs to raise £25,000 to stay open.
Paisley Guide leaders Claire McKay, Helen Dykes and Laura McAuslan each walked 26 miles through Renfrewshire at the weekend, raising a total of £ 476, while members of 18th Paisley and District Scouts also joined together to complete the mammoth walk in the sunshine.
Chair of Lapwing Lodge management board , Hilary Graham, said: “The level of affection shown by our supporters during the event has been phenomenal.
“We’ve been blown away by the donations and messages of good will throughout, and its been a real pleasure seeing so many people from across Scouting and Guiding come together to support us.”
Renfrewshire Ramblers members Ryan Ayr, Nicola Dunlop, Elise Dunlop, Aileen Gibson and Sharron Rankin took part to raise money for the Beatson Cancer Charity, while staff at Capability Scotland’s Wallace Court facility in Elderslie raised £600
for their service by taking part.
Active Communities went on a trek passing important venues for the organisation, with CEO Susan McDonald and Co-Founder Helen Moir walking from Ralston Community Centre, where Active Communities first started as a small jogging group, all the way to the former Johnstone Police Station which is soon to be their new community hub - and back!
Ten of the group’s staff members took part, including marketing and communications officer Jenny McDonald, who walked 12 miles at North Berwick and completed a Draw-a-Thon to boost the funds, while board member and local teacher Lindsay Moffat walked 20km.
Howwood-based Equine Rescue and Education also got involved, with Karen McDonald and her rescue pony Digger and Danielle Carmichael and her rescue pony Grings taking part in the Kiltwalk to raise money for the charity.
Both ponies came through the rescue and they wanted to raise money to help give more horses and ponies a second chance.
Other inspiring efforts were completed by Renfrew woman Gillian Robinson, who took on the 26 miles in aid of Organ Donation Scotland.
Gillian raised £1,130 for the charity close to her heart in support of her brother George Robinson who underwent a life-saving double transplant in 2017.
Paisley woman Mary Ferrie is a former skater and Paisley Pirates Cheerleading Coach.
Now based in London, Mary took part to raise money for Inclusive Skating, a charity which encourages skating for all people - no matter what their ability.
Mary was inspired to take part for the charity after recovering from a stroke two years ago, in which she had to learn to walk again.
Well done to everyone who took part this year!