Friends and family of a popular Moray publican are preparing to hike up Ben Rinnes in his memory.
Retired Rothes landlord Chris Munro was diagnosed with terminal colonic cancer just eight weeks before he died on July 14 last year.
Mr Munro was a familiar face in Rothes, having run the town’s Seafield Arms Hotel with his wife Barbara for 12 years.
Now the 65-year-old’s wife has decided to organise a walk to raise cash for The Oaks in Elgin, a palliative care centre for people with cancer and non-malignant conditions.
After the walk, there will be a barbecue at the pub and a disco.
Mrs Munro said she hoped to raise a “few thousands” for the care centre and “give back” to the community that has supported her since her “vibrant” husband’s death.
She said: “Chris would have been so chuffed that we are all doing this – so far I have 30 people signed up for the walk – I have been doing a lot of training.
“I have been visiting the Oaks since Chris died to get reflexology – it was one of our Macmillan nurses who told me about it – I think they do an amazing job.
“Chris stayed at home and was nursed by Macmillan and Marie Curie nurses – they were absolute God sends.
“In fact the whole Rothes community has been brilliant, so I thought this would be a good way to give something back.”
Mr Munro worked in hotels around the UK, including Edinburgh, Carlisle, Ballantyre and Bridge of Earn before moving to Rothes.
He and wife took on the Seafield Hotel in 2007, and retired from the day-to-day running of the busy pub two years ago.
Mrs Munro said she missed her “like crazy”, but felt “truly blessed” to have the support of her friends and family around her.
The walk takes place on Saturday, May 4.
Walkers will assemble at the Seafield Arms Hotel at 10am and transport can be provided. The evening entertainment begins at 7.30pm following the barbecue.
Mairi McFadden, unit manager at The Oaks said: “We are always touched and incredibly grateful when someone chooses to fundraise for us.
“I will be meeting with Barbara soon to find out more about what she has planned and I look forward to following her progress.”
Anyone wishing to take part in the walk should contact the Seafield Arms Hotel on 01340 831857, or to donate to the effort, visit:
