THE team behind one of Ayrshire’s best-known good causes has thanked all the teams, individuals and donors who gave the charity their backing at a recent fund-raising event.

More than £25,000 was raised for the Ayrshire Hospice by people who took part in the Glasgow Kiltwalk at the end of April - and the decision by the organisers, the Hunter Foundation, to match every penny raised by participants meant that the hospice’s coffers have now been swelled by more than £50,800.

A total of 111 participants took part in the walk to the banks of Loch Lomond to raise cash for the hospice, covering either the Big Stroll (14.5 miles) from Glasgow or the Mighty Stride (22.7 miles) from Clydebank.

The sun shone on everyone who crossed the finish line at Balloch, where each participant received a medal and was greeted by hospice staff and by family and friends to finish off a memorable day.

Groups who tackled the course in aid of the hospice included Walkaholics, Motiv8 Fitness, Del’s Del’s Belles, Team Aldi Prestwick, Gail’s Gallivanters, Team McLaughlin, Chaz & Mum, Just Dae It, MacKinnon Clan, Team Symington and the Microtech Group.

Elaine Thomson, Ayrshire Hospice’s senior fund-raising officer, said: “We are so pleased to announce that these Hospice Heroes have raised a phenomenal £50,801.80 for the Ayrshire Hospice.

“This includes the 50 per cent per cent top up given by Sir Tom Hunter and the Hunter Foundation - thank you so much!”

Many of the participants walked in memory of someone who received hospice care.

‘Team Del’s Belles’, led by Lesley Grayston from Irvine, walked in memory of Lesley’s brother Derek, who spent the last nine weeks of his life at the hospice’s in-patient unit, and raised £6,143.89 in the process.

Lesley said: “The care not only he received but my mum, Chloë, and myself received made those last weeks and days special in so many ways.”

John Burke, from, Kilwinning completed the Mighty Stride with friends who all walked for various charities in memory of his wife Jennifer.

John said he “wanted to be able to give something back to the Hospice for the fantastic work they do” and raised an amazing individual total of £2775.

Comprising of 15 people, ‘Team Motiv8 Fitness’ led by Claire Houston, all took on the Mighty Stride for personal reasons in addition to the event being the pinnacle of their fitness challenge and raised an amazing £5048.10.

The Glasgow Kiltwalk returns on April 30, 2023.

and the Ayrshire Hospice is looking forward to getting the #HospiceHero team back together – along with all new recruits!

If you are interested in taking part contact community@ayrshirehospice.org for more information