Woman to walk 500 miles in aid of charities 31 July 2017 Morag Smart from Aberdeen is taking on the ultimate challenge this summer, as she prepares to walk 500 miles from Cape Wrath to the Mull of Galloway, to raise vital funds for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS) and MND Scotland. Over the course of 30 days, 10th August – 8th September, Morag will be joined by friends who will walk alongside her on different days across varying distances as she takes on the entire 500 mile journey herself. Morag will complete her journey in Galloway where she grew up and where her very proud mum will be waiting to greet her. Morag who is a Neurosciences & Stroke Specialist Pharmacist at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary explains why she is taking on this challenge, “CHSS and MND Scotland are two fantastic charities that I feel very strongly about supporting. Through my work I can see that there is a real need for funding and the vital support and services that both charities provide are extremely important to those affected by Stroke and MND. “CHSS aim to improve the quality of life for people in Scotland after a stroke, or diagnosis of a chest or heart condition. I have a particular interest in the services and support they provide for people following a stroke. MND Scotland is the only Scottish charity providing care and support to people affected by Motor Neurone Disease, as well as funding research into finding a cure. “The money that I raise will go towards benefiting the patients and families affected by these diseases, and further research to better understand these conditions and develop more effective treatments.” Morag and her friends at the top of Bennachie’s 2nd highest peak – Mither Tap. Morag has been getting herself ready for this incredible 500 mile walk by taking on a number of challenging training walks. Morag, alongside friends who will be joining her on the way, recently walked up Bennachie in Aberdeen to the Mither Tap in under 40 minutes which is a challenge in itself – this walk can take many people up to two hours! Katie Jones, CHSS Fundraising Officer for North East, said, “We are so grateful for Morag and her friend’s fundraising support. People like Morag are so important to CHSS and the money they help to raise will help support people across Scotland to get their lives back on track.” Iain McWhirter, MND Scotland’s Head of Fundraising said, “I’d like to thank Morag for taking on this incredible challenge to help raise awareness and funds for MND Scotland. “MND is a devastating diagnosis and we wouldn’t be able to fund research and provide care and support to people affected by MND, without the help of passionate fundraisers like Morag. “We’re absolutely delighted that Morag has chosen MND Scotland as one of her charities and I’d like to wish her all the best for her walk. Team MND Scotland will be cheering her on.” To follow Morag’s journey check out her blog, https://itsalldownhillfromhere758.wordpress.com and if you’d like to support Morag and help her raise funds for CHSS and MND Scotland visit her fundraising page http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MoragSmart ENDS Photo caption: Morag and her friends at the top of Bennachie’s 2nd highest peak – Mither Tap. Media Enquiries: Katy Aitken, Senior Press Officer Tel: 0131 225 6963 email:katy.aitken@chss.org.uk