2024-06-06T09:22:18+00:00

“Phenomenal” total raised by Kiltwalk heroes

Following a joyful and emotional day at the weekend, we can reveal that our Aberdeen Kiltwalk heroes have raised £45,000 – and the figure is still rising.

The sun shone over the event on Sunday (2 June), where more than 60 brave souls took on the Mighty Stride between Aberdeen and Banchory and four the Wee Wander from Crathes to Banchory.

Friends of Roxburghe House Grampian committee member Fiona Leslie said: “Although I knew it was going to be big we are currently at a phenomenal £45,000 and it’s still rising. To say I am blown away is an understatement - the support of the walkers and their supporters is just amazing.”

Along with treasurer Ian Mackie and fellow committee member Anne Brown, and armed with eye-catching “feather backpacks”, Fiona was cheering the walkers over the finish line.

Among the walkers marching proudly over the line was the “Walking for Cara” group. They have raised an astonishing £18,000 for us already in memory of their friend 42-year-old Inverurie mum Cara Baxter, who passed away in January following a short and brave fight with bowel cancer.

Family members were also being remembered, with the Simpson family - university administrator Ann Simpson along with her son Aidan and daughter-in-law Shauna - completing it in memory of Ann’s father Mike McHugh.

They are raising money for Friends of Roxburghe House because Mike spent his final weeks there before he passed away aged 82 in October last year.

“We will forever be grateful for the time, patience & expertise of the team who provided his care,” said Ann.

The committee members also got to thank the Inglis family team, who took part in memory of their dad Rob Inglis, who passed away in March after a brief illness.

Rob had taken part in the Kiltwalk many times over the years and loved it, so wife Debbie, daughter Rebecca, son Curtis, son-in-law Mikey and Curtis's partner Phoebe thought it was a fitting tribute.

Carla, Angie and Ben completed the Mighty Stride as Mike's Hairy Walkers, in memory of their beloved brother and uncle Mike Davidson, carrying his photo round the walk with them.

Also finishing the Mighty Stride for Friends were Paul, Fraser and Michele Burnett and their friend Jackie, raising funds in memory of Michele’s mum Isabella Bridgeford.

And a special thanks to our youngest Kiltwalker (don’t message: he was in a pram), taking part as part of Torzie’s Team was baby Tommy. Escorting him on the Wee Wander were mum and dad Olivia Marnoch and Steven Davidson, in memory of Olivia’s sister.

Committee member Anne Brown said: “It was a wonderful day with everyone soaking up the sun and the lively atmosphere. There was a great buzz as the walkers crossed the finish line to be hugged and cheered by their supporters.

“It was lovely to meet our fundraisers for Friends, totally exhausted but so proud and excited to complete the walk. They are amazing people - thank you!"

Fiona agreed, adding: “It's brilliant to be able to be part of an event with so many folks raising funds for so many charities. The sun was shining and lovely atmosphere within the park, though it did get very busy at the finish line.

“We were so fortunate to have almost 70 amazing people walking for Friends, and it was great to be able to meet most of them at the finish line, everyone elated having completed the challenge and some quite emotional because of why they had decided to walk for us.

“We very much appreciate them doing this for Friends of Roxburghe House Grampian and thank each and every one of them and their supporters who have helped us raise this amazing amount.”

The Kiltwalk

From the whole event, Aberdeen showed its Kiltwalk Kindness as a record-breaking 5,300 walkers stepped out to raise over £1million for 474 Scottish charities.

4,200 Kiltwalk heroes set off from Duthie Park from 9am to walk the 18 miles to Banchory to raise funds for the charities of their choice.

Another 1,058 Kiltwalkers set off from Crathes Castle at 11am to walk along the River Dee the 4 miles to the Finish Line at Bellfield Park in Banchory.

Kiltwalk is Scotland’s largest mass participation walking event with over 145,000 people taking part since 2016.

The kindhearted Kiltwalk community have taken big strides for charities close to their hearts and together with The Hunter Foundation, have managed to raise a staggering £42.5million to date. All funds raised have been distributed to 3,330 Scottish Charities.

You can find out more about the KiltWalk history here.

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