Moray’s Story: From Patient to Volunteer to Fundraiser

When Moray Law, his son, Alasdair, and friend John Mortimer, signed up to take part in the Big Stroll at the 2025 Edinburgh Kiltwalk, their goal was simple: to give back to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh’s Transplant Unit – the team that had changed their lives.

Moray is a former patient of the Transplant Unit, receiving a liver transplant seven years ago. The amazing care he received from all the staff, and the life-changing impact of the transplant inspired him to give back – both as a volunteer and a fundraiser for the Unit. He and his son, Alasdair, know the value of fundraising and the additional benefits that can bring to patients and their families going through the same experience that they did. In fact, the 2025 Kiltwalk wasn’t their first fundraising activity. In 2024, they took part in the Wee Wander at the Edinburgh Kiltwalk, then challenged themselves further with The Kelpies Experience: a thrilling aerial adventure through the horse’s head to its mouth that doubled as an unforgettable day out and a fundraiser for the Unit. Inspired by those earlier events, they signed up for the Big Stroll at the 2025 Edinburgh Kiltwalk, keen to continue to support the place that had made such a difference to him.

With the Unit’s Senior Charge Nurse, Sam Slight, on board, Moray shared their plans for the 2025 Edinburgh Kiltwalk with patients, their families and staff. What started as a small idea quickly grew into something much bigger. Before long, a team of 30 grateful patients, their families and staff had signed up to take part in the 2025 Edinburgh Kiltwalk, proudly walking as the Transplant Trekkers.

As a team, the Transplant Trekkers raised over £10,500 to support both the transplant unit and volunteer services, which will help to provide additional patient comforts, practical support, and welcoming spaces – making a real difference for people like Moray and their families during challenging times.

This is Moray’s story, a journey of challenge, recovery and giving back:

I had a liver transplant probably because I was obese. I was 23 stone for most of my life and eventually my liver said, ‘I’ve had enough, Moray.’ Even to be referred here from my local hospital in Falkirk, I had to lose about 10 stone. Which was difficult. Very, very difficult. But the dietitian helped me—they were fantastic.

“I got the call during assessment week and had the transplant just a few days later. I think it was only three days I waited on the list, probably a sign of how poorly I was at the time. It’s been nearly seven years now. It was a bit of a roller coaster at first, especially getting the balance of medications right. But so far, so good.

“Both my son and I, my son in particular, wanted to do something to say thank you for everything the team had done for me during and after my transplant. We started by doing the Wee Wander at the 2024 Kiltwalk. We then did the Kelpies Experience in June — something that we both thoroughly enjoyed and even better to be raising money for the Transplant Unit at the same time. This then led to us singing up for the Big Stroll at the 2025 Kiltwalk. Being able to give back and walk alongside so many staff, fellow patients and their families was a privilege”

Coming together in 2025 and crossing the finish line together was a tremendous accomplishment for Moray and every member of the Transplant Trekkers. For many, it marked a personal milestone – proof of how far they had come since their transplants. For all, it was a celebration of resilience, teamwork, and the power of giving back. Their determination and generosity will have a lasting impact, helping to support and inspire future transplant patients and their families.