Just what the doctor ordered
Awishaw GP will strap on her dad’s backpack and carry her memories of walking with him with her as she treks the West Highlandway.
Kirsten Jones, 27, who lives in Coltness decided to take on the 96 miles challenge in aid of the Beatson Cancer Charity.
The medic who works in a practice in Newarthill decided to raise money for the charity to thank staff at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre in Glasgow.
It’s her way of showing gratitude for the“phenomenal care”they provided to her dad Johnny Jones who died, aged 66, in May this year.
Johnny was a great lover of the outdoors and enjoyed walking and cycling.
“My dad was a patient atwishaw General and then his care was taken over by the Beatson,“said Kirsten.
“He attended clinic and for radiotherapy, and was also an inpatient there for two weeks. “The care he got there was phenomenal. “I’m a GP but it’s completely different seeing things from the other side.”
Kirsten will be accompanied by her partner Gary Hart, 30, a steel fixer from Cambusnethan, for the five-day hike from Milngavie to Fortwilliam.
Kirsten continued:“i’ll have a photo of my dad in my pocket and we will raise a glass to him at the finish in Fort William.
“He ran two marathons and two half-marathons and was always active.
“He kind of wanted me to be like that, while I always had my nose in a book.
“We thought that this would probably be quite a challenge and something he would have liked to have done.
“I’m more worried about midges and getting blisters on my feet than the 20 miles we need to walk each day.” The couple will set off on their trek on August 12. They have already surpassed their original fundraising target and raised a fantastic £1,249.
“Cancer has robbed us of more time and precious memories with my dad”, Kirsten added.
“Donating can help make life with cancer a little less unbearable for more patients, and ultimately give more time and precious memories to more families.”
You can donate at: justgiving.com/fundraising/ kirstenandgary