By Eve, Family Support Assistant – Inverclyde at Scottish Families!
On 30th April, my friend Shannon and I walked 22.7 miles from Glasgow Green to Balloch Park (on the Bonny Banks of Lomond) to raise funds for Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs. I have been fortunate to work with Scottish Families for the past two years and am able to see the positive impact that our support has upon families on a regular basis. I decided, along with Shannon, to take on the challenge of participating in a fundraising activity that is not only an incredible event to be a part of in terms of raising donations, but also a great opportunity and incentive to get out in the fresh air and rack up some steps in preparation for the big day!
After raising almost £500 prior to the day of the Kiltwalk, the time had come. On a dreich Sunday morning, blister plasters at the ready, we set off! Whilst the weather was pretty soggy, this did not dampen the spirits of the Kitlwalkers as we got started at Glasgow Green. Something about hearing bagpipes along with a huge amount of people gathering to achieve positive change always brings a tear to my eye!
Each pitstop dotted along the Kiltwalk route provided a brilliant atmosphere, plenty of snacks to keep us going along with music to keep up momentum. Shannon and I got chatting to lots of different folk whilst on our Mighty Stride, all enthusiastically filling us in about their chosen charities and keen to find out more about Scottish Families’ support.
Anticipating a hug and some encouragement from my parents, sister and Scottish Families colleagues at the Dumbarton cheer point around 7 miles from the finish line definitely contributed to keeping my spirits high and provided a lovely chance to snap some very damp pictures!
Whilst in Dumbarton, I made the fatal error of sitting down on the grass and very much began to wilt slightly as we walked past my car parked at the train station, at which I gazed wistfully. However, we persevered – sharing a wireless earphone each, singing lyrics to Taylor Swift and allowing some upbeat songs to add a bit of an upbeat spring to our step. After walking along the River Leven for an amount of time that I am unable to fully remember due to it feeling endless at the time, we arrived at Balloch! With the end in sight and an extra boost from bumping into Scottish Families’ own Maureen along the way – we hobbled our way to the finish line in Balloch park and almost shed tears of joy and pride at our achievement. I can’t lie – tears of relief to have reached the end of our trek and excitement to get a proper seat after walking 53,000 steps may have also played a role.
I’m incredibly proud to have taken part in such a brilliant event and raised an amazing £515 due to the generous donations of friends and family along with my best friend for such a worthwhile cause. While it may have taken a few days for my very swollen feet to return to normal size – I would absolutely participate in the Kiltwalk again…just give me a year.
Interested in walking the Kiltwalk for Scottish Families? Get in touch with Clare at clarem@sfad.org.uk or message us on social media!