Lorraine Caldwell, Debbie Gallagher, Emma Barr, Lisa Seibold and myself are walking in my Dad's memory to help others in the care of Kilbryde Hospice. Kim McDougall and my Mum are providing refreshments at the finish line for us walkers and will be cheering us on during our training and the walk itself.

Matt passed away in the early hours of 14 February, following a short battle with cancer. He was a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend.

He spent the final few weeks of his life in the incredible care of the Kilbryde Hospice. The hospice, based in East Kilbride, serves all of Lanarkshire and though demand for their help is high, they treat every patient with care, respect and dignity. 

If you could wish anything for a loved one facing the same situation, I can't think of anywhere more safe and kind for them than to be in the care of the Kilbryde Hospice team. 

The hospice is funded by donations and run by a mix of staff and volunteers. From the admin to the kitchen and of course the nurses, they need your help to continue providing the best palliative care possible for people.

Dad might not have been able to do too much in the final phase of his life but we are walking to remember the man who was always on the go, plans made and action ready to be taken (unless of course he had a spare afternoon off and the only plan was hours playing guitar!).

We're walking to remember the funny, caring, loving guy he was to his friends and family (and we'll also remember the stubborn nugget he could be too).

Dad loved his lot in life. His grandkids, his guitars, serving mum drinks, the caravan in Fife, and taking his dug a walk with some good music on his earphones.

So with all that in mind, please spare what you can to support us as we jaunt the 14.3 miles on the 'Big Stroll' from Clydebank to Balloch on 30 April.

Your donation will help a great cause and most certainly honour a great man.

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A recent newspaper article from The Sunday Post highlighted the £90m per year required to keep Scotland's hospices operating. Rising energy costs have been a particular source of pain. And with some 22,000 families requiring specialist hospice support each year, fundraising continues to be a vital lifeline. 

Read: https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/hospices-pushed-to-the-brink-as-energy-costs-bitescotlands-vital-hospices-in-numbers/