Stirling Observer

Big Walk event will highlight charity’s hard-working carers

- Kaiya Marjoriban­ks

Young Stirling carers will be among the unsung heroes sharing their lifechangi­ng stories today (Wednesday) when the The Big Walk arrives in town.

An idea from the Eden Project made possible by the National Lottery, The Big Walk celebrates the people at the heart of the UK’s communitie­s.

Started by comedienne Jo Brand on May 16, this annual event sees four teams of walkers embarking on an epic journey to the four corners of the UK, along the way stopping in communitie­s and projects that make great things happen where they live.

The Scottish walker Angus McLeod will arrive at Stirling Carers Centre to speak to people such as 20-year-old Nicola McDonald from Dunblane, who cares for her mum who has MS.

Nicola, who is studying sports coaching at Forth Valley College, said:“I have been going to the centre for five years now and can honestly say they have changed my life.

“Before I came here I was in a bad place and struggling a bit with mental health issues. I felt that I was on my own.

“I feel more confident as a person and am happy to tell people, including The Big Walk team, about my role as a carer.”

Stirling Carers Centre manager May Kirkwood said:“This is an opportunit­y to showcase the work we do here at the centre providing informatio­n, advice and support to unpaid carers Stirling wide.

“It’s great to be able to share the difference that our National Lottery funding is making to the lives of both young and adult carers and to give those cares the opportunit­y to share their experience­s with others.”

 ??  ?? Helping Comedienne Jo Brand started the Big Walk
Helping Comedienne Jo Brand started the Big Walk

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom