A Speyside campaigner is putting his walking boots on to raise money to fight a heart-breaking disease affecting his family.
Nethy Bridge resident Michael Bremner is planning to trek 34 miles from his hometown this Saturday to Elgin, where his grandmother Anne lives.
The family was devastated by Mrs Bremner’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease three years ago.
And now, the 20-year-old is in training to complete a charity walk, expected to take 12 hours, through the undulating and picturesque Moray countryside to help swell the coffers of Alzheimer Scotland.
The Grantown hotel worker has already seen the benefits, which have been implemented by the charity for people living with the disease.
He said: “Fortunately, Granny is keeping in good health at the moment, but there are good days and bad days.
“Having her family close by is obviously very important, as indeed is the support and advice received from a range of organisations and health professionals.
“I have witnessed the effects of Alzheimer’s first hand, so I am really keen to do something to raise awareness and to raise some funds to support the valuable work which is being done by Alzheimer Scotland.”
Mrs Bremner used to live in Carrbridge, situated amidst the stunning Cairngorms National Park, with her husband Derek before the couple moved back to their native Elgin nearly 10 years ago.
Her grandson will be supported by friends and family throughout the walk. The group will leave Grantown at 7am on Saturday, September 17 and the participants are not expected to cross the finishing line until 7pm later that day.
If Mr Bremner still has enough energy following the 34-mile trek, he will join his grandmother at the start of Alzheimer Scotland’s memory walk in Fochabers the following day.
Hundreds of campaigners affected by the illness are expected to arrive in the town for the four-kilometre push to raise awareness of the fight against the disease – and they will join thousands of others at events across Scotland throughout September.
Instead of setting himself an easy target, Mr Bremner wanted to push himself as much as possible to help his family and the charity’s cause.
After leaving Grantown, the walkers will head north through the Highland and Moray countryside, traverse hills and yomp through woodland before arriving in Elgin.
Mr Bremner added: “I will be walking 34 miles from Grantown to Elgin. It is going to be a really tough experience, but I was keen to set myself a real challenge.
“I would be extremely grateful if anyone wanted to sponsor me or make a donation. Alzheimer Scotland is a brilliant charity offering crucial support to sufferers of the disease and their families.”
Donations can be made to Mr Bremner online by visiting www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Michael-Bremner.
