Kilted colleagues stride out for cause close to their hearts

Patons Insurance staff are donning their kilts to take great strides to help a good cause.

The team of six, made up of five Glasgow-based colleagues and a family member, will be stepping out to brave this month’s Kiltwalk and raise money for Chris’s House mental health crisis centre in Wishaw.

Cheryl Rennie and her husband, Allan, will be joining Kevin Baird to tackle a daunting 14 miles for the Clydebank to Balloch Big Stroll on April 28.

At the same time, Brian McLaughlan, Chelsea Adams and Nicola Karanikki will be undertaking the arduous 24-mile Glasgow to Balloch Mighty Stride.

The team is taking part to help keep fit, as well as raising as much as possible for Chris’s House, which it describes as “an amazing local charity which is close to our hearts”.

The team has been busy preparing for the challenging treks, with varying training regimes.

Brian is walking to work every day and is also going to the gym.

Cheryl and Allan are going long walks every other day, and Cheryl has joined a burlesque class for fitness. Allan has been taking the bins out!

Kiltwalk veteran Nikki is continuing her usual walking routine but may go to the gym to help build up stamina for the big event.

Chelsea is walking every day as well as going to the gym.

Kevin is doing 15,000 steps every day apart from Saturday.

The Kiltwalk is Scotland’s largest mass-participation walking event and more than 145,000 people have taken part since 2016 and, together with The Hunter Foundation, have managed to raise a £42.5 million for 3,330 Scottish charities.

As the big day approaches, team members are looking forward to stepping out to make a difference.

Nikki said: “I have done the Mighty Stride three times. It is not easy, but all worth it for a great cause, and can’t wait to do it again!”

Facing up to the challenge, Cheryl said: “I am both scared and excited as I don’t walk anywhere, but this charity is very close to my own heart, so I am determined to raise lots of money and awareness, and challenge myself, as this is so out-with my comfort zone i.e. the couch!.”

Allan said signing up was an easy decision to make: “My wife told me to! Only joking, I enjoy walking, and I am looking forward to raising money for this worthy charity.”

Big Kev said: “I am looking forward to the challenge and delighted to help such a worthy charity.”

Brian said: “I am looking forward to the whole day out. I’m excited about the walk, but nervous as being a real Scotsman in a kilt. It could be uncomfortable doing the mighty stride!”

Chelsea said: “I’m taking part because I understand how hard and upsetting it can be living with someone or dealing with your own mental health. I feel it is important that there is more recognition and help for people surrounding this matter.

“The impact this can have on individuals is challenging, so the more help that can be offered could make a bigger impact on someone struggling with this.

“I am looking forward to the challenge of the walk.”

To sponsor the team head over to their JustGiving page.