Cheers for the Kiltwalk beers
Hospital inspires a new brew
SANDY Fraser and sons Stuart and David say “Cheers!” to the Kiltwalk — after brewing a beer for the charity.
The trio, who run the Oak Tree Inn in Balmaha, Loch Lomond, established an on- site brewery, the Balmaha Brewing Co, last year.
They tested the facility by creating an ale to celebrate a charity close to their hearts.
“We spent a long time making sure we got it right,” Stuart, 31, said. “I’m glad we did because it tastes absolutely great!”
The beer, “The Kiltwalk”, is a light blonde Scottish ale. A share of the proceeds from sales will be donated to the charity, which helps support needy and disadvantaged kids.
It’s the brainchild of Stuart, Sandy, 58, and head brewer David, 30, who have been Kiltwalk supporters since the youngest member of the Fraser family, Ben, 15, was diagnosed with leukaemia 18 months ago.
“Ben had cycled from London to Paris just a few months before,” Stuart recalled.
“But one day his throat started swelling up.
“To be told it was leukaemia came as a huge shock to us all.”
Ben spent the next six months at Yorkhill Hospital, undergoing chemotherapy. He also had two strokes after suffering a bad reaction to treatment.
And just a few months ago, it was thought Ben may need a bone marrow transplant.
All six of his siblings were tested and Stuart and sister Emma were shown to be a match.
Thankfully, Ben’s health improved and he didn’t need the transplant, but he now knows he has two potential donors if his health deteriorates again.
Despite his illness, Ben was so inspired by the work that goes on at the hospital’s Schiehallion ward which treats children with cancer, that he’s raised more than £30,000 for Yorkhill.
Now his family are keen to get in on the act. Sandy, Stuart, David and brother Sandy junior will undertake the 26- mile Hampden to Loch Lomond walk on April 21. They’re part of the Friends of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs team.
And although still undergoing treatment, Ben has volunteered to join them!
“Ben is amazing,” Stuart said. “Some days he’s very ill, but he takes it on the chin and gets on.
“And there’s no stopping him when it comes to fundraising. He’s determined to do the best he can to improve care for other kids like him.”
Stuart added: “It’s going to be an amazing day, and the perfect opportunity to thank Yorkhill for everything they’ve done for Ben.
“But after walking 26 miles, the best bit will be a pint at the end — and knowing we made it means it will taste even better!”