A family is preparing to make an emotional charity trek through the Highlands in memory of a beloved dad and husband.
Alison Blaikie, her husband Dave and mum Anne Kennedy, from Elrick, and her sister Caroline Kennedy, from Kingswells, will be joined by seven friends on a walk through a northern section of the Cairngorms.
The 16-mile hike is in tribute to William Kennedy – Alison and Caroline’s dad and Anne’s husband – a joiner who died two years ago following an eight year battle with Alzheimer’s at the age of 78.
The group, which have already raised £1900 for Alzheimer’s Research UK, will begin their adventure in Nethy Bridge and complete it in Aviemore.
Alison, 45, who works as an administrator for an oilfield services company in Aberdeen, said: “Dad was born and grew up in Nethy Bridge, so it’s an area special to us all. It’s a walk he would have done many times before in his lifetime.
“That weekend also marks two years since we lost him, so it seemed like the perfect way to remember him.
“My dad was a really gentle man who was loved by everyone who knew him.
“As a family, we’ve had first-hand experience of this disease, and it’s horrific. We’re desperate for a cure to stop other families having to go through what we have and that’s why we’re supporting their vital work.”
Jodie Vaughan, community fundraising manager at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said the charity could not thank the walkers enough for taking on the challenge.
She said: “Dementia poses one of the greatest threats to public health now and in the future but funding for research still lags far behind other serious diseases.”
Visit www.justgiving.com/revoanchallenge to donate.