Dundee’s biggest ever Kiltwalk raises record funds for local charities

CLOSE to 3,000 big hearted walkers took to the paths and streets of Fife, Dundee and Angus today to raise more than half a million pounds for local charities. 

The 2018 Royal Bank of Scotland Dundee Kiltwalk started at 9am on the 18th at the Old Course St Andrews, where philanthropist Sir Tom Hunter and Sky Sports anchor Jim White waved off the heroes walking for over 350 charities.

Leading out Dundee’s Mighty Stride was father and son Jock McKay and Kai Anderson. 14-year-old Kai was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a rare condition where part of his heart is severely underdeveloped and has a chronic lung condition. He was pushed the full 25 miles in his wheelchair by step-father Jock to raise funds for Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, where he undergoes treatment. Kai recently lost his mother to an aggressive form of cancer, so also chose to walk in her memory.

Also leading the Mighty Stride was Brydon Greenhill and Louise Murray, walking for FEAT Stop Sepsis Now. Brydon and Louise lost their daughter and sister, Laura, suddenly to sepsis two years ago. Laura developed the disease after getting a small cut on her foot that wouldn’t heal. After receiving treatment in hospital for a number of weeks, Laura sadly passed away. Brydon and Louise decided to take on the Mighty Stride to not only raise money for the charity, but also to raise awareness of the disease.

The Big Stroll was led by Hayley Ramsay, walking for The Scottish Burned Children’s Club. Hayley’s step-sister passed away when she was three years old, after a tragic accident where she sustained severe burns. The Scottish Burned Children’s Club helps children and their families who have similar injuries, providing support and rehabilitation to those who need it and helping transform children’s lives.

13-year-old Toby Etheridge led the Wee Wander, with his mum Alison, raising money for his own charity, Toby’s Magical Journey. Toby was diagnosed with leukaemia when he was nine years old and after years of raising money for various cancer charities, decided to start his own. Toby took on the challenge, raising money for other children and young adults battling cancer.

Paul Cooney, Kiltwalk CEO said: “We are overwhelmed by the turnout today with walker numbers increasing by a third on last year.  With The Hunter Foundation’s 40% top up that means so many more great causes in this area will benefit from the blood, sweat and tears of our walkers.

“It’s been a special day and the stories of each and every one of our heroes is what will live long in the memory. Thanks to them for making such a difference.”

Next up, and the last of the 2018 Kiltwalks is the Edinburgh event on 16 September. Each walk has three distances to choose from to suit people of all ages and abilities.

To sign up, visit www.thekiltwalk.co.uk.

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