Prestwick woman completes Kiltwalk in memory of late sister

PROUD: Shonagh and husband Kenneth at the Edinburgh Kiltwalk on Sunday (Image: Shonagh Allan via Facebook)

An Ayrshire woman has issued a “heartfelt” thank you to everyone who supported a fundraiser in memory of her sister after completing the Kiltwalk.

Shonagh, from Prestwick, expressed her gratitude after almost £5,000 was raised for Ayrshire Hospice by taking on the 21-mile Edinburgh Kiltwalk on September 13.

She completed the challenge in memory of her late sister Fiona, who sadly passed away in June this year.

Shonagh admitted the walk through Scotland’s capital, with her husband Kenneth, came with its challenges but said her determination to reach the finish line never wavered, with Fiona in her thoughts throughout.

In a social media post, she said: “Kenneth and I took on the 21-mile Kiltwalk, and it was definitely a challenge. There were times when we wondered how we were going to make it to the end, but we kept going, one step at a time.

“We spoke about Fiona throughout the walk – sharing memories, talking about her and laughing about some of her antics. She was with us every single mile.”

Shonagh also revealed that she changed into her sister’s trainers halfway through the walk, making the rest of the journey “all the more special”.

She added: “Knowing I was walking in her trainers, carrying her with me, and doing every step in her memory kept me going.

“When we finally crossed the finish line, there were so many emotions. We were exhausted, emotional, proud, and incredibly grateful that we managed to do it and raise the funds that we have.

“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to everyone who donated, shared our fundraiser or sent messages. Your kindness and generosity mean more than you know.”

Shonagh added that Ayrshire Hospice means a great deal to her family for the care and support it provides to people and their families during incredibly difficult times.

The Edinburgh Kiltwalk brought this year’s series of events to a close, following walks in Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee with almost 7,500 people taking part.