Kilsyth man walked 200 miles to raise money for Alzheimer's
Kilysth resident Stuart Donaghey signed up to walk along the Camino de Santiago, an ancient pilgrimage route that leads to the tomb of St James the Apostle.
The 64-year-old retired project manager, originally from Greenock, took on the challenge to raise funds for Alzheimer Scotland in memory of his loved ones.
Read more: Glasgow social care organisation named Scottish Charity of the Year
Stuart lives in Kilsyth with his wife Isobel (Image: Supplied) Stuart said: "My uncle Jim was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and passed away in 2023, aged 81.
"I have fond memories of going fishing with him when I was younger, and of how much fun he was at family events.
"He was always the life and soul of the party.
"My mum, Alice, who was uncle Jim's sister, passed away in 2020, aged 83.
"I had started to notice some possible signs of dementia in her, so it's an illness that has affected a number of people in the family, as well as some very close friends.
"I started volunteering for Alzheimer Scotland after I retired a few years ago, and I thought this challenge would be a great opportunity to raise awareness and funds for a great cause."
Stuart's uncle Jim was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and passed away in 2023 (Image: Supplied) Stuart set off from Porto wearing his purple Alzheimer Scotland t-shirt and flag, following a coastal trail north to the finishing point at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
Throughout his two-week journey, Sturart spoke to people from all over the world whose lives have been affected by dementia.
He said: "I'm not a religious person, but the idea of the journey appealed to me.
"The walk was challenging in some places, but I loved every minute.
"What I enjoyed most was that people from all over the world would see my purple t-shirt and flag and come over to speak to me and sometimes walk with me – often telling me personal stories about how they had been affected by dementia.
"It was great to feel like I'd made a small difference through talking to so many people and raising awareness of dementia and Alzheimer Scotland.
"I didn't want the journey to end and when I reached the finishing point, I could've gone back and walked it all again.
"I'm so grateful to everyone who supported me along the way and who donated so generously."
Through his adventure, Stuart has already raised more than £3,000, and donations are still being accepted online at tinyurl.com/y2jez7zs.
Read more: Waspi women hail 'major breakthrough' in fight against UK Government
Stuart took on the 200m trek through Portugal and Spain to raise funds for Alzheimer's Scotland (Image: Supplied)
He has already raised more than £3,000 (Image: Supplied) Kirsty Stewart, executive lead of fundraising and engagement at Alzheimer Scotland, said: "We are very grateful to Stuart for taking on such a big challenge to raise funds for Alzheimer Scotland.
"What an amazing effort.
'Every penny raised helps Alzheimer Scotland continue to support our vital network of dementia advisors, resource centres, and our 24-hour Freephone Dementia Helpline (0808 808 3000).'
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