We thank the intrepid team from West Lothian Crematorium who raised more than £1000 by taking part in the Edinburgh Kiltwalk.
The work colleagues trekked over 13 miles through the streets of the capital, starting and finishing at Murrayfield Stadium.
West Lothian Crematorium is part of Westerleigh Group, the UK’s largest independent owner and operator of crematoria and cemeteries.
Earlier this year, Westerleigh named Scottish Huntington’s Association as its corporate charity partner in Scotland for 2022 in Scotland, and the Huntington’s Disease Association as its charity partner in England and Wales.
The partnerships were created following a decision by Roger Mclaughlan to step down from his role as the group’s Chief Executive Officer after learning he had inherited the faulty gene that leads to Huntington’s disease.
West Lothian Crematorium site manager Carole Rae said: “After finding out about Roger’s diagnosis, we knew that we wanted to raise both awareness and funds for such a worthy cause.
“Also, within the last few years, two of our close colleagues/friends’ families have also been affected by the disease, so we felt that this year was the time to start a tradition we hope to carry on, year-on-year.”
Carole was joined on the Kiltwalk by Carol Blair, gatekeeper, and temporary crematorium assistant; Gemma Smith, crematorium assistant; Lynn Williamson, former crematorium assistant; and local councillor Diane Calder.
Carole said: “We tried to train most weeks, at least once a week, for around six-to-eight miles each time. It’s not something we have done previously, but we had a brilliant time relaxing as a team after work hours and making the most of the lovely nights and sights we have around our site.
“We have been overwhelmed by the generosity from our colleagues in the funeral industry and our families. We started with a target of £300 and we soon smashed that and there are donations still to come in.
“We were also extremely grateful to hear that, once we know what our final fundraising total is, the Hunter Foundation is going to add another 50 per cent on top, which is very generous and which, I am sure, will be very welcome by Scottish Huntington’s Association.”