Kelsey’s story: Taking on the Kiltwalk Big Stroll in Memory of David
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Fundraising
Patient experience
Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh
Supporter story
Every year, people take on the Kiltwalk for their own personal reasons; to challenge themselves, to give back, or to honour someone special.
For Kelsey and her son Jack, the Kiltwalk was all of those things and more. It was a walk filled with love, memory, and the courage to keep moving forward after losing someone who meant the world to them.
On 25 November 2024, Kelsey’s husband and Jack’s dad, David, was admitted to ICU after suffering a catastrophic brain bleed at only 35 years old. Despite every effort from the incredible medical team, his injuries were too severe, and the family had to say goodbye just two days later. Their lives changed forever. And it was in David’s memory, and in gratitude for the compassion shown by the ICU team on Ward 118 who supported the family through the most heartbreaking days of their lives, that they walked the 14.5 mile Big Stroll.
This is their story.
On Saturday 25th April, myself and our 10-year-old son Jack walked 14.5 miles in The Big Stroll, Glasgow Kiltwalk in memory of our husband and dad, David.
When David died, our world completely changed.
The impact of losing him has shaped every part of our lives. The boys lost their dad. I lost my husband. We lost our rock, our safety, and the future we thought we would have.
In those darkest hours, the ICU team on Ward 118 showed us compassion we will never forget. Their care went beyond medical treatment.
They gave us keepsakes for the boys to remember their dad.
They gave each of our boys a special Jellycat bunny teddy, bunnies that David held as he passed away.
Those bunnies became everything.
They slept beside the boys for months.
They travelled with us.
They absorbed tears.
They gave comfort when nothing else could.
They became a physical connection to their dad when we could no longer hold him.
That kindness mattered more than words can ever explain.
We walked 14.5 miles to say thank you.
We walked to raise money so other families in ICU receive the same compassion and thoughtful care we did.
We walked to help provide comfort to families facing the unimaginable.
And with every single step of those 14.5 miles, we carried David with us.
We carried his love.
His strength.
His courage.
The same strength and courage he showed, and the same love that still surrounds us every day.
We will never forget him.
We will never forget the love he gave us.
And we will honour him in every mile.
Forever and always.”
Kelsey and Jack successfully completed the Glasgow Kiltwalk together, crossing the finish line after 14.5 miles, sore, proud and united in memory of David.
Reflecting on the day, Kelsey said:
Me and Jack had a fabulous day completing the Kiltwalk. It was a beautiful day and I am so incredibly proud of Jack and his determination to keep going despite it getting tough at times.
“It was an honour to raise money for NHS Lothian Charity and I hope the amount we raised can help in some way. This is us at the finish line on Saturday, very sore but happy to have made it back in good time.
“I’d like to thank you for your support throughout. We are both proud to have raised the amount we did and to complete the walk in David’s memory for a worthy cause.”
Kelsey and Jack’s journey is a reminder of what the Kiltwalk is truly about, coming together and walking with a purpose; for people we love, for those who care for us and our loved ones, and to remember and celebrate the moments and memories that shape our lives.
They raised money to say thank you to the staff in ward 118 at the Royal Infirmary, whose compassionate care went far beyond medical treatment, and to give back so that other families can experience that same depth of kindness and support when they need it most.
Speaking about the difference fundraisers like Kelsey and Jack make for others, Clinical Nurse Manager, Brenda Duncan, shares:
Families like Kelsey and Jack inspire us all, despite their own grief they have found something positive to focus on to make a difference to others. Within Critical Care we know how important it is to families to have these special keepsakes and are grateful that with the help from supporters we can fund these and offer them to families when they need them most. A heartfelt thank you to Kelsey and Jack for their efforts, it is appreciated by our team and I’m sure their courage and kindness will bring comfort to many other families.”
If Kelsey and Jack’s story has inspired you, why not get involved and take on your own Kiltwalk challenge this year?
Whether you’re walking in honour of someone special, setting a personal goal, or simply wanting to make a difference, there’s a route and a distance for everyone.
Every mile matters.
Every step makes a difference.
And your walk could mean more than you’ll ever know.
Run the 2026 Edinburgh Marathon Festival and support life-saving projects across NHS Lothian. Take advantage of our heavily discounted charity places and secure your spot today.
Take on our Walk 100 Miles in June challenge and help the NHS take strides for patient care! Walk at your own pace, in your own time, and support NHS Lothian patients, families and staff.
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