2025-08-29T09:09:07+00:00

A family’s walk of gratitude for Roxburghe House

For Shirley Monro and her family, the Dundee KiltWalk was more than a physical challenge: it was a heartfelt tribute to her husband Ally who passed away last year aged 66.

After a short and stressful illness, Ally was moved to Roxburghe House as he battled secondary liver cancer where, as Shirley describes, “he relaxed”.

“The care he received, often with humour (which suited him perfectly), made his last few days much more bearable,” she said.

A person in a suit and tie

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“It was obviously still difficult, but Ally coped so much better. That in itself helped us all, family and friends, to come to terms with his condition and his passing.”

His son Steven wanted to do something in his dad’s memory so along with Shirley and her sister Ann they chose the Dundee KiltWalk in August, and decided to raise funds for Friends of Roxburghe House.

“My sister and I have completed kiltwalks before but this was Steven’s first - and he will never again underestimate just how difficult walking for 20 miles can be,” said Shirley.

“The walk itself was organised brilliantly with pitstops every five miles giving out much-needed water and snacks, and plenty toilet stops too.”

Steven’s wife Kara wasn’t able to take part in the walk on the day but supported the trio throughout the trek.

However after the 10-mile mark, the sole of Ann’s trainer parted company with the shoe. Steven had come well prepared and bandaged it up so she could keep walking. But when the sole of the other trainer came off at the end of the walk, they went straight in the bin.

A pair of shoes in a trash can

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Steven himself faced leg cramps and blisters during the final tough miles.

“None of us will drive over the Tay Road Bridge without reliving our walk along the middle that seemed to go on and on and on,” said Shirley.

“However we did finish and the hot meal at the end was much needed, along with a nice cold beer.”

Their efforts have been met with an outpouring of support from family and friends, many of whom also have experience with Roxburghe’s care, and the team has raised more than £2,200.

“I am truly amazed at the fantastic support we have received. And the comments and total raised show how much love and care there is for Ally and Friends of Roxburghe,” said Shirley.

The funds raised will go directly to the Friends of Roxburghe House, making sure they can continue supporting patients and their families with the same kindness and compassion that meant so much to Ally and his loved ones.

You can still donate to team Ally here.

The main picture shows Ann, Shirley and Steven at the finish line

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