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Over £150,000 has been raised by those taking part in the Kiltwalk for Beatson Cancer Charity at the weekend.
Thousands of people took part in the sold-out event on Sunday 28th April to raise money for charity.
825 walkers took on the challenge for Beatson Cancer Charity, walking either the Mighty Stride (22.6 miles), the Big Stroll (14.2 miles) or the Wee Wander (3.1 miles).
The Mighty Stride took participants from Glasgow Green all the way to Balloch, while the Big Stroll started in Clydebank and the Wee Wander started at Loch Lomond Shores and ended at Moss O’Balloch Park.
Thomas McLaughlin and friends took part in the walk this year in memory of his wife, 32-year old Vivienne McLaughlin, from Bishopbriggs, who died in December.
Pictured: Vivienne McLaughlin taking part in Glasgow Kiltwalk 2023
Their team have raised over £13,500 so far and plan to take part in more fundraisers in the near future.
Vivienne was diagnosed with cervical cancer in October 2023 and sadly died on 18th December, just a few weeks after she turned 32.
The mother of two had been experiencing bleeding since January which was thought to be a heavy period. Months later she had multiple blood clots all over her body, a few of which ended up in her brain causing her to have mini strokes, making Vivienne lose her sight.
Vivienne’s conditions and symptoms were very rare, and she was sent by doctors to The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre to check for cancer. She was then told she was facing the end of her life.
Thomas said: “I can’t thank The Beatson enough for the help and comfort they gave Vivienne but also myself, the kids and other family and friends as well.
“On the run up to Christmas, they knew Vivienne was gutted she probably wouldn’t see Christmas, so they gave us a room and we were able to have a makeshift 'Christmas Day’ with her with loads of sweets and movie night with all her family and friends by her side.
“Even after Viv’s death, the doctors and staff have kept in contact with me and tried to give me the best advice and point me in the right direction to get the help needed for the family.”
Vivienne and her family utilised Beatson Cancer Charity’s Wellbeing Centre to spend time together before she died.
Thomas continued: “Due to Viv not being able to see, she took comfort in the Wellbeing Centre where she could sit and chat and take her mind off what was happening to her.
“The staff in there were so kind and always made her and us all welcome every time. We wanted to raise money for the Wellbeing Centre and also raise awareness.”
Vivienne’s family and friends took part in the Kiltwalk as a tribute to Vivienne’s passion for fitness.
Pictured: Thomas McLaughlin & Friends at Glasgow Kiltwalk 2024
Thomas said: “Viv was a personal trainer specialising in helping woman get fit and looking after their health.
“We chose the Kiltwalk to start the first of the many activities we will be taking part in to raise as much money as we can for Beatson Cancer Charity. We also did it to honour Viv by keeping fit and active for her.
“At the Kiltwalk we had a team of around 15 strong including myself and Vivienne's close friends and clients from her gym all taking part.
“Our favourite parts of the Kiltwalk was when we found a full bar of Galaxy chocolate unopened on a bench, which was Viv’s favourite chocolate, so it was a sign that she was with us, spurring us on.”
Thomas says he thinks Vivienne would be proud of what they’ve achieved so far in her memory.
He said: “Vivienne was always up for a laugh and a joke so I think she would have told us that we didn’t walk fast enough or get enough steps in on the walk. But in all seriousness, I think she would have been very proud of everyone who was on the walk and also thankful to everyone who donated and showed support to her and Beatson Cancer Charity.”
Jade Mitchell, one of Vivienne’s closest friends, was part of the team of 14 who took part in the event last weekend.
Jade said: “I think Vivienne would have been blown away by the amount that has been raised and be delighted.
“I also know she would be proud of us all completing the whole Kiltwalk, as it is a challenge.
“She'd be so proud of Thomas especially as he's the one spearheading the efforts to raise all this money.
“I would like to believe that this is just the beginning of fundraising and making a difference in loving memory of our Viv aka The Wee PT.”
Maisie McCormick, community fundraising manager at Beatson Cancer Charity, said: “We are absolutely blown away by the incredible efforts from everyone taking part in the Glasgow Kiltwalk this year for us.
“It is always a special event, but this year we had our highest ever number of participants, with over 800 people taking on this incredible challenge as part of Team Beatson.
“We loved cheering everyone on from Pit Stop 1 at the Riverside Museum and giving them a chance to take a break and grab a snack.
“We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part in the event for our charity – your support will allow us to continue and develop new services for cancer patients and their families.”
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