An emotional River Ayr walk in memory of an inspirational lad has raised £50,000 towards a new cancer centre.
Friends and family of Jay Kennedy put their best foot forward as they trekked 44 miles from Glenbuck to Ayr on the late son and brother’s 21st birthday.
Jay died from brain cancer, aged 20, last October after an 18-month battle.
His grieving family vowed to raise funds for a new complimentary therapy room at the Ayrshire Cancer Support facility in Ayr.
An initial target of £15,000 was set for the family to become founding sponsors of the new centre.
And their mission was backed by more than 300 walkers who turned the river walkway into a swarm of bright green T-shirts worn to honour Jay.
Jay’s closest pals from school and football, along with brother Blair Kennedy, 24, embarked on the walk from the East Ayrshire starting point at 5am on Sunday.
Jay’s mum Dawn Kennedy told Ayrshire Live: “It was a huge effort from everyone.
“They got soaked for the first three hours. It was tough but everyone was so determined.
“We all waited for the last ones to cross the finish line. Some limped over at 8.30pm after starting at 5am. It was hugely emotional, we cheered each one of the boys as they reached the end.”
Dawn launched a Facebook page in the run up to the walk to tell Jay’s story that included updates from his journal which he wrote in his final days.
Dawn said: “To see that Jay’s story has affected people the way they say it has by what I’ve shared over the last few months, sharing his words, his journal is amazing.
“It was an opportunity to tell his story of hope and possibility in his own words.
“To use that and share it – to get his spirit and his energy over meant so much to us. It was a huge honour to share who he was and who he continues to be."
District nurse Gail Nisbet sparked the idea for the walk after being inspired by Jay during end-of-life care visits.
Dawn has paid a heartfelt tribute to district nurses who provided her family with incredible support.
She said: “The walk came from Gail’s thoughts and it became reality.
“She entered our lives at the most difficult time. I don’t think district nurses get enough credit for what they do in the community, I can’t thank them enough.”
“She always said to us ‘she was Jay’d’. I think a lot of people have been ‘Jay’d’ now.”
Ahead of the walk, a special message was provided by Celtic legend Scott Brown who sent his best wishes.
The former Hoops captain shared a supportive clip in which he hails Jay's pals for doing a "fantastic thing".
Dawn said: “Scott said he had been following the page and Jay’s story. He was more than happy to send out that message."
The walk was supported by kind-hearted local businesses.
Ayr pub, the Ghillie Dhu, provided catering from their van at Auchincruive during the walk and later in the bar for everyone who took part.
T-shirts were provided by Rainbow Ink and signs for along the route were provided by The Branding Hub.
Dawn added: “We can’t thank everyone enough. With it being Jay’s 21st, it was a horrendously difficult day but to see swarms of green T-shirts flowing down the river walk, it just meant so much to us.
“We’re just so proud of our son and his legacy.”
You can donate to the Jay Walk here.
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