A KILCREGGAN man who walked the Great Glen Way for charity has thanked everyone who supported him.

John Clark McMurtrie, 63, set out to raise as much money as he could for the dementia centre in Helensburgh to allow them to continue their work in the community.

John tackled the 79-mile distance from Fort William to Inverness over six days in October and recently presented a cheque for £1,000 to the centre.

John surpassed his own expectations and fundraising aim of reaching £300 and was delighted to be able to present a cheque for more than three times that amount. He said: “I noticed an article about the Helensburgh Dementia Resource Centre appeal and when I went to visit the centre I was impressed by the facility and welcomed by the staff and I realised I could help.

“I am extremely grateful to everyone who donated, raising a total that far exceeded my expectations.”

Community fundraiser Bronwyn O’Riordan supported John. She issued him with sponsor forms and T-shirts to help him complete his challenge and they discussed the growing number of people in the community who are affected by dementia.

Bronwyn said: “John kept me informed of his progress and popped into the community café for a cuppa upon his return.

“It was wonderful to see the photos from his adventure, hear tales of the other people he met on his trip and how much support he had received from his church, his family and their colleagues.

“John seems to have really enjoyed his fundraising efforts and I hope that it inspires others to come up with their own challenges in aid of Alzheimer Scotland. I’d be keen to support anyone with their efforts or discuss a fundraising idea over a cuppa in our café.”