Meet Our Supporters – Erin’s Dundee Kiltwalk
Meet Our Supporters – Erin’s Dundee Kiltwalk
This Sunday, Erin will take on the Dundee Kiltwalk – a Mighty Stride of 20 miles – to fundraise for Scottish Mountain Rescue. We’re so grateful to Erin and can’t wait to see how she gets on! We got in touch to find out a little more about her, and are thrilled to read of her lifetime of connectedness to our beautiful hills.
Erin bagging Munros with her husband
Can you tell me more about yourself?
I’m Erin! I’m a mum of two outgoing girls Florence (4) and Margot (2). I work for the NHS as a Nurse in a brain injury unit – it’s a job I really love. I have a Vizsla called Tonks, she’s been me and my husband’s mountain companion since we started out bagging Munros. I’ve lived in Scotland all my life and my favourite spots are the Isle of Skye or Aviemore. I’m such a home bird, I love travelling all around Scotland and discovering new places.
Erin and her husband on their wedding day beneath the Skye Cuillins
Why did you decide to fundraise for Scottish Mountain Rescue?
I’ve followed the work of Scottish Mountain Rescue for a long time on social media and I find the work that they do so inspiring.
The fact that people are committed to saving lives 24 hours a day 7 days a week on a volunteer basis speaks volumes for the people who are involved in this organisation.
Not to mention the skills and fitness each volunteer will have to be out in all conditions on very questionable terrain. When we started bagging Munros ourselves, I again, realised what an amazing thing it is to do. You can go out into the wild exploring and have peace of mind.
“No matter how skilled or prepared you are you can always run into trouble in the hills. I hope to never need them but I feel very lucky to know they are there.”
What inspired you to take on the Dundee Kiltwalk Mighty Stride?
I did the moonwalk in Edinburgh a good few years ago now and I loved it but it was hard work! I’ve wanted to challenge myself again for a while and when my friend told me she signed up for the Kiltwalk I thought it would be a great opportunity to give back to something I love. Being a busy mum of 2 it is hard to find the time sometimes!
Erin and her eldest, Florence, at Corrie Fee
What kind of preparation or training are you planning on doing for your challenge?
I like going on longer walks in the evenings with my dog by my side especially with the lighter nights. I signed up pretty last minute so I have had to cram in a lot of last minute training. Good shoes on the day and snacks/ music will keep me going!
“Knowing I’m walking for such a worthwhile cause too will spur me to the finish line.”
What is the hardest and most rewarding thing about the fundraising?
I think asking people to sponsor you is always tricky, the cost of living is at an all time high and that doesn’t help but hopefully I can raise a good amount of money for a great charity!
Erin’s Hen Party in the hills
What’s next for Erin?
I’m hoping to get back to the hills soon, they have been an ever present factor in my life. I started hillwalking with my now husband in my early twenties, I had my hen party in the hills and got married at the foot of our favourite mountain range.
I can’t wait to get our girls out into the hills too and hopefully they love the outdoors as much as we do!
Thank you Erin for sharing your beautiful account with us, and being part of our community of mountain lovers.
Your support powers our volunteers to save lives outdoors, and reunite lost and injured hillwalkers with their families. If you would like to sponsor Erin in keeping our vital service running, you can donate to her Just Giving page.
Thank you for your kindness and generosity, and we hope you have a wonderful time completing the Dundee Kiltwalk this weekend, Erin! We are hugely grateful for your support. ♥︎