2025-09-01T12:40:58+00:00

Lauren’s legacy lives on through father’s fundraising

For Keith Jackson of Banchory, a difficult journey became a mission of love.

Following the heartbreaking loss of his daughter Lauren in January of this year, Keith has dedicated himself to honouring her memory through fundraising.

Lauren, a cherished daughter, partner, mother and friend, passed away at Roxburghe House at the age of 37 after a brief battle with a rare form of cancer.

During her illness, Lauren asked her father to raise funds for four charities close to her heart, with Friends of Roxburghe House as the main recipient. Roxburghe House had provided her and her family with exceptional care in her final weeks, and Lauren wanted to make sure others could benefit from the same compassion and support.

Shortly after the funeral, donations to the four charities slowed and stood at around £8,500.

Inspired by her request, Keith - who had recently moved to Aberdeenshire from Burnley and had not previously been a regular walker and certainly had never worn a kilt - laced up his shoes and took on two immense challenges: the Aberdeen and Dundee KiltWalks.

Fundraising four

His dedication has paid off in a remarkable way. To date, Keith has raised nearly £10,000 for Friends of Roxburghe House, contributing to a total of over £20,000 for all four charities, which include Cancer Research UK, Children with Cancer UK and NHS Grampian Charity. This incredible sum is a powerful testament to the impact one person’s determination can have.

“The staff were amazing with Lauren and the family,” Keith said, expressing his gratitude for the care they received.

“We always felt welcome when visiting and they went out of their way to ensure Lauren had a beautiful room, looking out onto the garden. They helped with daily baths and drying her hair, even putting up and helping decorate a Christmas tree for Lauren.

“And she herself remained interested and engaged with other people throughout, with an amazing ability to remember not just the nurses’ names, but their partners and children’s, and ask after their off-duty plans, despite her own suffering and pain.”

Tributes

Lauren’s legacy is one of compassion and generosity. As a highly respected conservator with the National Trust for Scotland, she was known for her “dazzling” smile, her boundless positivity and her unwavering loyalty to colleagues and friends.

A person smiling at camera

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She was dealt a cruel hand when after the birth of her adored son Quinn, she struggled with health challenges. However, she did so with an incredible poise and grace. Those that spent time with her in her last weeks talked of her ability to hand out compliments all over the place, and she was still hugging.

Through Keith’s tireless efforts, Lauren’s spirit of giving continues to make a tangible difference, making sure that Roxburghe House can provide comfort and care to families who need it most.

“I would give anything still to have Lauren in our lives and if she was, I probably would not have thought of doing these Kilt Walks or raising money for these charities,” said Keith.

“However, I have always been focused on achieving results whilst employed and this has now given me something to focus on. It’s taught me the power of remaining positive and trying to block out negative thoughts. It’s helped me keep busy and to make the most of friends and family.

“I continue to be amazed both at the unbelievable amount raised to date and the amazing generosity of those who have donated.”

Keep on KiltWalking

He intends to continue his fundraising efforts, with plans to complete possibly three KiltWalks next year to further support Roxburghe House and raise awareness of their vital work.

“I did a number of practice walks for this year’s Aberdeen KiltWalk, but not enough for Dundee,” said Keith.

“I was really struggling near the end of the Dundee walk, not helped with the really hot sunny weather. I just thought about what Lauren would have said if she was next to me – ‘come on Dad, you are doing an amazing job, not far to go now!!’”

“I also had great company, with Archie Maclean and Stuart and Val McLean there alongside me, and I’m equally grateful to Rob McKendrick and Vickie Gilpin, Stuart McLean once more, and Barry and Lesley Harper for accompanying me in Aberdeen.

“I’m also endlessly thankful to my ever-supportive wife Catherine, as well as to Brian and Heather Smith and Ian and Caroline Parkinson.”

You can donate through to Keith through his JustGiving page here.

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