A woman from Renfrew has smashed her Kiltwalk fundraising target ahead of the big trek later this month.
Dawn Anderson decided to take on the 14-mile challenge to raise money and awareness for muscle-wasting conditions – inspired by her 21-year-old niece Sophie Hutchison.
Sophie was 13 when she was diagnosed with limb girdle which is a rare type of muscular dystrophy where the muscles weaken and waste over time.
As a child, Sophie would fall over and struggle to keep up with other children when running. Individuals with limb girdle may have problems with walking and could need to use a wheelchair over time.
Dawn said she is very proud of Sophie and what she has been able to accomplish whilst living with her condition.
To honour her niece’s achievement, she thought it would be a great idea to take on the Kiltwalk, which occurs annually at various locations across Scotland.
Walkers take on the walk for a charity of their choice with the amount they raise being topped up by The Hunter Foundation.
Dawn chose Muscular Dystrophy UK (MDUK) and initially set out to raise £250 but has far exceeded that amount and generated a whopping £810 for the charity; meaning that after the top-up from the foundation, she will have raised more than £1,000 for the charity.
Dawn said: “Although it’s frustrating for her, with support from family and friends and accommodations provided by her workplace, Sophie has been able to adapt and pursue her goals.
“The best thing about her is that she maintains a positive outlook, focussing on the things that she still can do, rather than those she can’t.”
A can-do attitude and support from her friends and family has been instrumental to Sophie’s continued success at university, where she studies architecture.
Sophie said: “Despite my diagnosis, I choose to maintain a positive attitude and live life to the fullest. I continue to travel, experience new things, and strive for a sense of normalcy in my daily life.
“I am grateful for the great group of people who surround me and provide support during challenging times.”
MDUK offers practical and emotional support to people with muscle-wasting conditions, and fund vital research into treatments and potential cures.
Sophie said: “I am deeply grateful that my family has decided to participate in the Kiltwalk to raise awareness and funds for MDUK, especially considering how rare and unknown the condition is.
“It’s heartening to know that there are people in my family who are willing to take action, their willingness to learn about muscular dystrophy and spread the word to others is a true testament to their compassion and empathy.
“I am grateful for everything they do to get closer to a cure.”
This year’s Kiltwalk takes place on Sunday, April 30.
A spokesperson from MDUK said: “If you’d like to challenge yourself and raise money for MDUK at the same time, there are still Kiltwalk spaces available in Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh.
“Get in touch with J.whitham@musculardystrophyuk.org to take part for free in exchange for raising £150!”
Anybody wanting to donate to Dawn’s fundraiser can do so at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Dawn-Anderson13
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