Hilton family from Kinloss raise £450 for Sight Scotland charity via 24-mile Kiltwalk

A KINLOSS family have raised £450 to support people with sight loss in Scotland by completing a virtual Kiltwalk challenge on horseback.

Mick and Cheryll Hilton, and their 16-year-old daughter Imogen, raised £450 to support people with sight loss in Scotland by completing a 24-mile two-day trek from Burghead, through Roseisle pinewoods towards Findhorn and back via Roseisle beach to raise funds for Sight Scotland.

Imogen has rare disability Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), meaning she was unable to cover the distance on foot so instead saddled up with her mum for the Kiltwalk with family horses Lucky and Tobias, while Mick walked alongside, sporting a kilt for the challenge.

Imogen said: "Supporting people with a disability is valuable. This challenge was an opportunity to do something worthwhile to support others."

Mick and Cheryll work for Sight Scotland’s sister charity, Sight Scotland Veterans, supporting veterans with sight loss in Moray and Highland, helping them adapt to life with a visual impairment.

The couple are very aware of the impact visual impairment can have. The family wished to show support for Sight Scotland Veterans’ sister charity, with Sight Scotland setting out to reach more people affected by sight loss, including relatives and carers.

Mick (47), an outreach worker and an armed forces veteran himself, said: "Sight Scotland is the new name for Sight Scotland Veterans’ sister charity Royal Blind - the name changed last year so this also seemed a good way to raise awareness.

"I chose the challenge route about 10 weeks ago and had reconnoitred it twice. There were no surprises with the terrain, but the wind on the beach the first day was murder in a kilt!"

Cheryll (51), a rehabilitation officer, said: "We appreciate the difficulties people have with disability, and the difficulty getting funding. Two years ago I had pneumonia, and I wanted to see if I was able to do something like this challenge now. Imogen and I had a great time galloping the horses across the sand, and a laugh watching Mick trying to catch up from half a mile back."

Kiltwalk participants have completed the national event remotely for the second year due to pandemic restrictions. The Hunter Foundation will top up funds raised by participants by 50 per cent, boosting the Hilton family’s total donations for Sight Scotland.

Mick said: "I want to thank all our sponsors. Also a special mention to Shona and Chris Enticknap for the support with water and treats."

Head of fundraising at Sight Scotland, Kerry Lindsay, said: "A huge thank you to Mick, Cheryll and Imogen for their fantastic fundraising efforts.

"Every hour in Scotland, someone starts to lose their sight, therefore it is vital that Sight Scotland is there for people with sight loss and their loved ones whenever and however they need us. We are so grateful to all our fundraisers; their support for Sight Scotland and the funds they raise makes a huge difference to the lives of people with sight loss and their loved ones."

Visit SightScotland.org.uk or call 0131 446 3089 to find out more about fundraising for Sight Scotland to support people with sight loss.