A Perthshire woman facing an uncertain future is taking on a major walking challenge to help raise funds for medical research.
Olive Munro, 67, and her husband Ronnie, 73, are embarking on a three-month trek across Europe in aid of Alzheimer research.
“I have been diagnosed with dementia and felt I would like to do something before I am no longer able,” said Olive, who lives on the south side of Loch Tay at Ardtalnaig.
“Dementia runs through the female side of our family. It is very mild at the moment but will become more recognisable in four or five years.
“I always wanted to be tested. It is better to be pre-warned and, as a result, we decided to do the walk.”
On May 1 the couple set off on the famous Camino de Santiago walk, the ancient pilgrim path also known as The Way of St James.
“The challenge we set out for ourselves takes a normal fit person six weeks but being realistic we are taking 90 days,” said Olive.
“We leave from St Jean Pied de Port, France, walk over the Pyrenees Mountains and across the north of Spain to Santiago.
“We will walk 780km carrying what we need in backpacks and staying in hostels.
“Ronnie and I are doing this to raise money for dementia research, hoping to raise £10,000 which will give Alzheimer Scotland the amount needed for one person to do research for six months.
“Dementia has been featured prominently in the news lately and the devastation it causes to families and friends of the person with dementia.
“We just want to make people aware. If anyone wants to give a couple of pounds that would be great — every little helps.”
The couple, who are originally from Edinburgh, lived in Canada for a number of years and their children and grandchildren who are still out there are backing their efforts.
Mr Munro is a former member of the band of The Black Watch and Mrs Munro managed a care home.
For anyone who would like to help the couple, the couple’s online fundraising page can be found by searching for MyDonate Olive Munro.
