Why I Walked the Kiltwalk: A Thank You From the Heart

Behind every Kiltwalker is a story, often shaped by gratitude, love and a deep desire to give something back.

For Carly Poterala and her Aunt Bev, that story is one of heartfelt thanks, with the Kiltwalk offering the perfect way to show their gratitude and say thank you for the care, compassion and support that has always been shown to them and their family by NHS Lothian staff during incredibly difficult times of their lives.

This is Carly’s story:

Over the past few years, the NHS has been there for my family again and again. When life felt frightening and uncertain, they were the constant that held us together. Walking the Kiltwalk with my Aunt Bev was not just a challenge. It was our way of saying thank you.

The Care That Changed Everything

In 2024, my Aunt Bev was diagnosed with breast cancer. From the very start, the speed and professionalism of her care was incredible. She was treated quickly, operated on quickly, and supported every step of the way. But what stayed with us most was the aftercare.

The NHS did not just stop when her treatment ended. They kept in touch, offered information about cancer charities, gym memberships, and ongoing support. Bev often says she never expected that level of care, and that it meant more than she can put into words. That experience alone made us feel deeply grateful.

But our family’s journey with the NHS did not begin or end there.

Nearly Losing Dad

In December 2023, we came frighteningly close to losing my dad, Joe. He was admitted to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and placed in an induced coma for several days. It was one of the hardest times our family has ever been through.

From the moment he was placed in the hands of the Critical Care team, there was a sense of reassurance, even in the darkest moments.

Dad had to be resuscitated several times during his stay. Every single time, the staff were there, calm, focused, and compassionate. They did not just care for him. They fought for him. They saved his life not once, but multiple times. Even through this, they made sure we were cared for at the same time.

What meant even more to us as a family was how they cared for all of us. When we had to leave Dad’s bedside, doctors phoned my mum in the evenings and during the night to keep her updated. They did not have to do that, but they did. That kindness and empathy is something I will never forget.

Thanks to them, Dad is still here today. His journey is not over. He now lives with serious ongoing health conditions and will continue to need care, but we are incredibly lucky to still have him with us.

For that, we will always feel indebted to the NHS.

Finding a Way to Give Back

For a long time, my Aunt Bev and I talked about doing something meaningful to say thank you. I eventually searched for a charity connected to the NHS locally on google and found NHS Lothian Charity. Then I got in touch and Elaine from the supporter care team helped me through things and made it easy for me.

Bev came up with the idea of walking the Kiltwalk, and she wanted us to do it together.

It felt right. Something we could take on as a family during a difficult chapter to raise money, give back, and lift our spirits at the same time.

We chose to raise money specifically for the Critical Care Unit at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, a place that means more to us than words can ever express.

The Day of the Kiltwalk

The day itself was absolutely fantastic.

From the very beginning, there was such a buzz. A piper played at the start, everyone was wearing their charity’s t-shirts, and you could feel that every single person there was walking for someone or something close to their heart. It was emotional, but full of hope. Bev’s son Ciaran and Abby stayed to cheer us on at the start line after dropping us off in Glasgow.

There was music along the route, people carrying little speakers, cheering each other on. The scenery was beautiful, and we were lucky to have sunshine, which made everything feel even more uplifting. There was a real sense of togetherness, all of us moving forward step by step for causes close to our hearts.

Crossing the finish line was an amazing feeling. It really felt like we had achieved something we could be proud of.
The atmosphere carried right to the end. There was a DJ, Scottish music, food, and celebrations. Then came the biggest surprise. Mum and Dad, who were not meant to come at all, were waiting for us at the finish line. Bev’s husband, John and her daughter, Nieve, were there too.

After everything we have been through, that moment meant the world.

Why I Would Do It Again And Why You Should Too

Walking the Kiltwalk gave us more than just a sense of achievement. It gave us space to reflect, to feel hopeful again, and to turn gratitude into action.

The NHS were there for us when we needed them most. This was our way of giving something back.
If you have ever wanted to do something meaningful for someone you love, for the NHS, or simply for yourself, I can honestly say the Kiltwalk is worth every step, it was brilliant.