HELENSBURGH fund-raisers have walked their way into the good books of local and national charities after taking part in last month's virtual Kiltwalk.
The event, which has been scaled back since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, ran between April 23 and 25 and saw more than 11,000 kind-hearted Scots raising all-important cash for organisations across the country.
This year's total topped £6 million - more than £4 million from the walkers and around £2 million from Sir Tom Hunter, whose Hunter Foundation adds 50 per cent to every penny collected by participants.
In Helensburgh young Fraser Gildea took five-and-a-quarter hours to complete 26,000 steps, raising around £4,000 for the Grey Matters Active Ageing group.
In an update on social media mum Alison, who is the group's coordinator, said: "One tired wee boy - and mum!
READ MORE: Find out how Helensburgh's Kiltwalk heroes rose to the virtual challenge in 2020
Musician Eilidh Steel donned her walking boots to raise cash for the Beatson Cancer Charity
"Fraser did really well, we started up by the golf course and walked round all the blossom lined streets. Then we went out to Rhu and finished off at our final destination at Morrisons.
"Thank you to all who sponsored him."
Meanwhile local musician and composer Eilidh Steel raised more than £1,300 by walking 26 miles between Helensburgh and Arrochar, travelling up the west shore of Loch Lomond on Friday, April 23.
Eilidh completed her mammoth trek in aid of the Beatson Cancer Charity.
In a message posted on her online fund-raising page she said: "During lockdown a member of my family and two of my neighbours have received treatment at the Beatson and in appreciation of the amazing staff, I'd like to help raise some money for this great charity.
Eilidh Steel walked 26 miles between Helensburgh and Arrochar to raise cash for the Beatson Cancer Charity
"Every penny I raise will be topped up by 50 per cent thanks to the generosity of Sir Tom Hunter and The Hunter Foundation.
"Any donation you can spare will mean the world to me and my chosen charity."
Sir Tom Hunter praised those who supported the event, commenting: “It’s fantastic to see so many people getting involved in the virtual Kiltwalk weekend, making such a big effort to help those who need it most.
"The people of Scotland never fail to amaze me with their kindness.”
READ MORE: Catch up with the latest news headlines from across Helensburgh and Lomond here
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