A DETERMINED young Inverclyde woman has raised almost £2,000 for charity spurred on by two members of her family who are stroke survivors.
Beth MacKay, 19, took on Stroke Association UK's Stride for Stroke challenge to celebrate the recovery of her sister and her dad.
Beth's sister Kirsty, who is a doctor at Crosshouse Hospital, suffered a stroke last year at the age of just 26, and her dad Iain survived a haemorrhagic stroke back in 2019.
Beth, who is studying primary teaching with French at the University of Strathclyde, walked 10,000 steps a day for 130 days to reach her goal.
Her 1.3 million steps represent the 1.3 million stroke survivors currently living in the UK.
Donations and sponsorship have helped Beth's big-hearted trek raise more than £1,600 for the cause.
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The student teacher explained that her sister's stroke was caused by a vertebral artery dissection, brought about by a freak accident.
Beth added: "She was strong and healthy and was able to bounce back.
"After three weeks in hospital she walked out unaided.
"My dad has made an amazing recovery too.
"They're both back driving and back at work."
The big-hearted young woman admits the 130-day challenge was very difficult in places but said it was all worth it to raise money for such an important cause.
Beth said Kirsty even managed to walk alongside her on one of the days to support her, which made her 'very proud'.
Stroke Association UK provides specialist support, funds critical research and campaigns to make sure people affected by stroke get the very best care and support to rebuild their lives.
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Beth added: "I started building up the steps just before new year, so I was out walking in the rain and wind and snow.
"I really enjoyed getting out and about and walking all over Inverclyde to make up the steps.
"I would go around the Tesco car park when the weather was really bad!
"Everyone was keeping my spirits up and pushing me on."
To celebrate the end of her challenge, Beth brought all of her supporters together for a walk along the Esplanade.
She added: "It was great to have everyone there to celebrate the end of it.
"It was great to have my friends and family supporting me the whole way through.
"My dad and sister are so proud of what I've done.
"I just want to thank everyone for their support."
To donate to Beth's sponsorship page visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/beth-mackay2
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