This weeks DGWGO Friday Focus is focusing on Gregor Watson – A Kirkcudbright man who is embarking on a 7-day journey along the West Highland Way, raising money for Edinburgh care unit, St Columba’s Hospice.
Gregor Watson, who grew up near Kirkcudbright and attended school in the Dumfries and Galloway harbour town is currently based in Edinburgh. Gregor is raising funds for St Columba’s Hospice by embarking on Scotland’s premier long distance route, The West Highland Way.
His journey begins in Milngavie, just outside Glasgow, and will take up to seven days, meaning he will travel around to 96 miles, an estimated 154,500 meters, to reach his destination at Gordon Square in Fort William.
Gregor told DGWGO Friday Focus
“I plan to hike for a week, camp each night and leave my wallet at home’’
He Continued ” I am raising funds for St Columba’s Hospice, an Edinburgh based care unit that is dedicated to supporting patients and their families, and who work to ensure that people are cared for in the best possible way in their last months, weeks and days so that they can have a good death. Last year, my father, Robert Watson, sadly passed away after suffering a long battle with cancer, which was triggered by a stroke. He had spent his remaining weeks at St Columba’s Hospice, and was surrounded by our family, friends and his loving wife, Harriet . My father was considered a great friend to many, and a heartfelt man with a fiercely likable character, whose humour was everlasting, right to the end.”
“My Route starts at Milngavie and passes through Mugdock Country Park, follows the shores of Loch Lomond, passing Ben Lomond, through Glen Falloch and Strathfillan, crossing Rannoch Moor, past Buachaille Etive Mor to the head of Glencoe, climbing the Devil’s Staircase, descending to the Loch Leven before entering Lairigmor and Glen Nevis and finishes at Gordon Square in Fort William.”
Raising funds for St Columba’s Hospice is Gregor’s way of thanking the dedicated, round-the-clock care that the doctors, nurses and staff provide at the hospice.
Finally Gregor said “This is for such a great cause and for a great man and I know that my dad will be walking along beside me, every step of the way. The service that St Columba’s provide was indescribable and I hope that the money I have raised can be used to support other patients and families through their difficult times…dad, this one’s for you”
A JustGiving page has been created and Gregor is attempting to raise £5000.00 for St Columba’s Hospice. If you would like to support Gregor by donating, you can read his story and donate here:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gregorwatson4
