Walking for Babs: Honouring Her Memory and Supporting Families Facing Cancer

On 13 September 2026, a team of family and friends took on the Edinburgh Kiltwalk in memory of Barbara “Babs” MacKenzie (formerly Turner) to raise money for FACE (Fighting Against Cancer Edinburgh), an NHS Lothian Charity cancer fund. Together, they raised over £34,000 to help support patients and families receiving care at the Edinburgh Cancer Centre.

Babs touched the lives of so many people, and it felt fitting that such a large group came together to celebrate her, share stories, and walk in her memory. Those who knew her remembered her warmth, determination and generosity, as well as her own commitment to fundraising. Babs was even featured in the local news after completing the 26.2-mile MoonWalk to raise money to support people affected by cancer.

When Babs was receiving treatment, the support made possible through NHS Lothian Charity: FACE brought comfort to both her and her family. Practical items such as an air mattress helped her rest more comfortably, while fans and ice lollies provided relief during the summer heatwave. Small gestures like these helped make difficult days a little easier.

Perhaps most importantly, support from FACE helped make it possible for Babs and her partner, Nik, to get married in hospital. What could have been an overwhelming and heartbreaking time became a day filled with love, laughter and precious memories, creating a lasting moment of joy for those closest to her.

Having experienced that support first-hand, Nik wanted to give something back for the care he and Babs received on the ward. This motivated him to rally together “Team Babs” in a matter of weeks, despite still having her funeral to come. By coming together and taking part in the Kiltwalk, Nik and Team Babs hoped to ensure that other families facing cancer could benefit from the same practical help, compassionate care and opportunities to create special memories.

As Babs’ husband, Nik, explains:

Having experienced the amazing support from the team at FACE first-hand, we know that every donation will help bring comfort, support and moments of joy to the next person and family going through some of the darkest days of their lives. That’s exactly the kind of legacy Babs would have wanted to leave behind, and one she would have been incredibly proud of.”

Tumong Edwards, Community Fundraiser at NHS Lothian Charity, adds:

It was an honour to support Nik and Team Babs alongside our NHS Lothian Charity: FACE volunteers. We are incredibly grateful to them all for coming together so quickly to celebrate Babs’ life in this way whilst raising money to ensure our staff in cancer services can provide the “little things” that make such an impact during challenging and difficult times. We could not have asked for a more beautiful day to mark the life of someone who had touched so many people’s lives and will continue to do so with this special tribute.”

On a sunny September morning, the team gathered at Victoria Park before setting off together on the Wee Wander route to Murrayfield Stadium. For many, the walk was about much more than reaching the finish line. It was a chance to remember Babs, celebrate the impact she had on so many lives and spend time together sharing stories of someone who meant so much to them. The 70 strong team walked proudly in matching t-shirts with a photo of Babs wearing a tartan dress, whilst holding sunflowers, the flowers that made up the bouquet at Babs and Nik’s wedding. Nik had cleared out many supermarkets to make sure everyone had one. When participants finished the walk, some people handed the flowers back to the Charity, where they were taken back to Babs’ ward at the Western General to brighten someone’s day.

Together, they have raised £34,000 for NHS Lothian Charity: FACE, helping continue to enhance support for patients and families at the Edinburgh Cancer Centre. From practical comforts and complementary therapies to opportunities for patients and families to spend meaningful time together and create lasting memories, the money they’ve raised will help other families receive the extra support that meant so much to Babs and her loved ones.