Kimberley’s incredible run, hike and swim challenge
“I had it in my head that I wanted to do something to help the Hospice. Then I thought I might as well do it properly.”
By Democrat reporter
Kimberley Hearns wasn’t sure exactly what to take on as a fundraising activity in memory of her dad – but she was sure she didn’t want to do anything by half.
At the turn of the year, she and a friend started hillwalking, with the aim of bagging a munro a month. Then things branched out and gathered pace.
Now Kimberley, a software consultant from New Stevenston in Lanarkshire, finds herself in the middle of an incredible three-pronged challenge.
Having completed the Race for Life 10k run in Glasgow, she has ticked off the first and possibly most straightforward task.
Next up is conquering five munros, but not at the rate of one per month. Instead, Kimberley will climb the range – Ben Nevis, Bidean More, Na Gruagaichean, Stob Ban and Mullach nan Coirean – in just three days.
And in August, she faces the “daunting” task of a 3k open water swim in Loch Lubnaig, near Callander.
Kimberley, 36, said: “The Race for Life went really well. For the walking, I’m apprehensive about having sore knees and feet. I’m not a regular hillwalker but started hillwalking earlier this year.
“It’s the swimming that’s really daunting. I did a lot of swimming when I was younger but nothing like this. It was in a pool!
“Swimming in a loch, you’re not in a still pool of water – there are things like the current, temperature and weather to consider. That’s what’s challenging.”
Kimberley has already raised more than £1000 on her JustGiving page in support of St Margaret of Scotland Hospice, with months of the challenge still to run.
The appeal has struck a chord with friends, family and colleagues.
She added: “My work has been great. We held a coffee morning last month and raised £116. Loads of people have had family and friends in a similar position.”
Explaining her very personal connection to the Hospice on the fundraising page, Kimberley said: “The time my dad spent in St Margaret’s gave him much needed rest and peace.
“The staff do an amazing job, they provide a place for families going through the hardest of times to be together and know that their loved ones are receiving the best care.
“I’d like to say thank you for making the time my dad spent with you just that little bit more comfortable. For the peace you gave to my mum, knowing he was looked after while he was with you.
“Please donate anything you can to help me raise funds for this amazing service.”