Trekker took on charity challenge of a lifetime in memory of her beloved father

Karen Taylor, from Larkfield, conquered the Great Wall of China in aid of MND Scotland in tribute to her dad Tam Taylor, a former marine who passed away in November 2016 aged 65 due after a battle with motor neurone disease.

The 40-year-old walked with brother Nicol and his wife Claire and the 38-person strong group they joined collectively raised £185,000 for the charity.

Karen said the tough trek - especially the steep steps known as the 'Heavenly Ladder' - was an unforgettable experience.

She said: "Sometimes I was on my hands and knees and when I got to the top I was an emotional wreck. I was hugging everyone and crying.

"The steps took everything out of me but it was such an awesome moment beating them.

"I looked about and it felt as if my dad was with me. I knew I had achieved something very special."

Since her father's death, Karen, of Berwick Road has worked relentlessly to raise money and awareness for the charity.

For the past two years she has focused all her energy on the epic trek, raising just under £18,000 for the charity alongside Nicol and Claire.

She said: "It was so surreal to walk the Great Wall of China after two years of fundraising.

"We were part of the larger group and we all supported each other. We partied together and we shared our stories with each other. We had shoulders to cry on as well, everybody was fantastic.

"Janice Hatrick, who is an MND nurse in the local area, was also on the trip."

One of Karen's personal highlights was when the group rebuilt part of the wall, which enabled her to leave a hidden message to her dad.

She said: "I scratched a message in the cement to my dad and then laid a brick on top."

Karen says she will never forget the trials of the nine-day trek, adding: "On the first day we walked for three hours and then on the second day we did nine, which took in 27 watch towers.

"At so many points I felt my dad with me. The whole place is so peaceful and when you get the chance to stop and appreciate the scenery, it's awesome."

Karen's mum Evelyn, of Auchmead Road, said she could not be prouder of Karen, Nicol and Claire.

She said: "I couldn't believe how tough it was.

"I am just so proud of them all for doing this in Tam's memory."

Karen was keen to thank everyone who has supported her two year fundraising drive, which has saw her run raffles, tombolas, bucket collections, race nights and sell second-hand clothes.

She added: "The help I was given was amazing.

"I would particularly like to thank Tesco in Port Glasgow, Fusion in Gourock and The Gypsy Cream in Largs for their assistance."

Anyone who would like to donate can still do so online at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/karen-taylor90