Golspie man set to walk West Highland Way – in weighted vest – for Macmillan Cancer Support
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A RADAR engineer from Golspie is due to walk the West Highland Way from Thursday – while wearing a 20kg weighted vest.
The 30-year-old plans to take five days to complete the 95-mile trek from Milngavie to Fort William to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.
The charity helped Alan Mackay and his family after his mum was diagnosed with lung cancer last year.
The West Highland Way marks its 40th anniversary this year and Alan had hoped to do the challenge in April, but the lockdown meant he had to delay it.
His mum died on June 12 this year and Alan said Macmillan had offered real support to the family during her illness.
He said: “My mum was only 63 years old. She was first diagnosed in September last year and had been living okay with her diagnosis.
“She was supported by a Macmillan nurse that came to the house – that was a massive help to her and to us. I just want to give something back, so I thought this would be a great way to do that.
"I’ve never walked the West Highland Way before and it just so happens I’ll be walking it during the 40th anniversary.
“My dad has booked hotels and he’s going to stay with me each leg, so it will be great to have a bit of support along the way. I think he is looking forward to it too. It’s a holiday for him and he gets a change of scenery. It’s been tough since my mum died, so it will help him take his mind off things.”
Alan has raised almost £3000 so far, and hopes more will come in during the walk.
He added: “People have been so kind with donations. I have been quite taken aback with how lovely everyone has been and giving big donations. I can’t thank everyone enough and will make sure I finish the challenge.”
Louise Mackay, fundraising manager in the north of Scotland for Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “I really applaud Alan’s effort. Walking five days of the West Highland Way in a weighted vest is not going to be easy.
“I want to thank Alan for raising funds for Macmillan during a time when our fundraising has taken a considerable dip.
"His challenge is very inspiring and I hope the weather stays sunny for him.”
To donate to Alan, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/westhighlandweight
Macmillan funds hundreds of nurses, support workers, benefits advisors and other vital roles across the NHS and social care system in Scotland.
The charity also provides a support line that offers expert advice from cancer nurses, welfare rights and money specialists.
