An Angus family has been overwhelmed by the support they have received in their quest to raise awareness of a killer disease.
The Greenhills from Forfar took part in three major events on Sunday in memory of Laura Balfour, their daughter, mother and sister who died of sepsis last year, aged 35.
Their day started with Laura’s sister Vicki running her first 10k race before Laura’s father Brydon and close family members and friends successfully completed the 25-mile Kiltwalk from St Andrews to Monifieth.
Brydon was accompanied by his brother-in-law Brian Donald, his nephew Neil Donald as well as Roy Dryburgh, David Gammie and David’s girlfriend Aileen Cleland to complete the 25-mile route.
They were joined by Joyce and Tracy Dryburgh who completed the final 11-mile walk to Monifieth.
The final event was a sell-out concert in the Lowson Memorial Church, organised by Laura’s sister Louise and attended by hundreds of supporters.
Their efforts to date have raised more than £5,000 for FEAT, a charity which aims to raise awareness and stop sepsis through funding research into the early detection of the condition and its treatment.
Laura’s mother Elaine said Sunday was an emotional day for them all but they were overwhelmed by the warmth of support they received.
She said: “Sunday was amazing. It was emotional but fantastic.
“Vicky has never done anything like a 10k before, Laura would have thought it was hysterical. The concert at night was fabulous.
“At the moment we are touching £5,000 for the three events.
“It was held to raise awareness of sepsis. We put flyers on every seat before the start of the concert so, if by raising awareness of the symptoms of sepsis, then this has all been worth it.
“Sepsis kills over 44,000 people in the UK every year, many are misdiagnosed. That’s why we are trying to raise awareness through the charity FEAT.”
The concert on Sunday evening was performed by the ‘Friends’ Choir, a group of Angus Minstrels past and present and friends who have raised around £30,000 for various causes over the years.
Pianist Marina Kyle, who accompanies the choir, lost her husband Myles Whyte to sepsis in March this year.
Elaine continued: “It is quite incredible to think that, out of such a small number as the choir, two people have had family affected by sepsis in less than a year.
“A lot of people at the concert said at the end they had no idea about sepsis. We hope that, by raising awareness and making them aware of what to look out for, then this has been a success.”
Anyone wishing to donate to the family’s fund-raising can still do so through Louise’s Just-Giving page on www.justgiving.com/LouiseGreenhill?
