If Paul and Claire Moir are ever struggling with the length of the Kiltwalk, they just look at the picture of son Aidan on their shirts.

The couple lost Aidan, aged 10, back in 2012 and have spent the last 11 years as enthusiastic fundraisers for the charity that helped their family so much.

His parents were joined by relatives and friends at the Kiltwalk each year, and have raised more than £25,000 for Robin House, in Balloch, where Aidan received vital care from the age of five.

Aidan had a degenerative neurological condition known as Late Infantile Batten’s Disease, which slowly robbed him of the ability to walk, talk, see, or hold himself up.

Aidan

Aidan

Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS), which runs Robin House, last week marked a milestone of £1million in donations through the Kiltwalk.

Claire said: “We are proud to have been invited along to join this special celebration of CHAS raising £1m through the Kiltwalk.

“It’s an event which means so much to us all as a family as every year we are proud to put on our Team Aidan t-shirts and walk in his memory.

“Robin House and CHAS have been there for us every step of the way and helped us make so many amazing memories.”

Paul added: “The t-shirts we wear have Aidan’s face on them so he really is with us every step of the way and we always see his cheeky wee smile.

“If any of us are struggling to carry on the walk, we just look at his face and think Aidan went through so much in his short life so we can do this for him. It’s just a great feeling when you cross the finish line at Balloch – you feel like a proper athlete.”

Robin House includes facilities such as a hydro pool, art room, large garden and space for care and bereavement support.

The Moir family plan to continue their fundraising streak this year, with a team of 20 ready to take on the challenge as part of Team Aidan.

But with Paul awaiting major knee surgery, Claire has insisted he stick to the shorter distance.

Paul, from Erskine, said: “I’ve got to get a knee reconstruction, so I’m on a waiting list for that.

“I might be pushing myself a bit too far – I’ll take the boss’s advice.”

Kiltwalk representatives Joanna Taylor and Susanne Morrison were present at the event last week in Balloch to mark the milestone as well as Aidan’s family.

This year’s Kiltwalk will be held on Sunday, April 24, starting at Glasgow Green.

Participants can choose to complete the 22.6-mile Mighty Stroll, the 14.5-mile Big Stroll, or the Wee Wander which covers three to five miles.

All funds raised will be topped up by 50 per cent, up to £5,000, by the Hunter Foundation.

Claire and Paul Moir have taken part in the event for 11 years

Claire and Paul Moir have taken part in the event for 11 years

CHAS CEO Rami Okasha said the pandemic has not only been difficult for the charity’s fundraising, but for the families it aims to support as well.

He added: “People have been very generous, but fundraising certainly has been affected.

“We are just determined to do everything we can do to support children and families, so we are redoubling our efforts to make sure everything we do can continue and we can grow.

“Right now, we can’t reach every child in Scotland who might need us, and we really want to – that is our burning ambition.

“Many of the families we support are terrified by Covid because they may have a child with a compromised immune system.

“Many of them have been living at home and hardly going out over the last couple of years – that has such an impact on people’s wellbeing and mental health.”

CEO Rami Okasha thanked Scots for their generosity

CEO Rami Okasha thanked Scots for their generosity

The charity now turns its focus to the next million, with fundraisers having no plans to slow down anytime soon.

Rami added: “It’s actually CHAS’s 30th anniversary this year, so it’s a really special year for us to hit the million pound mark.

“We are determined to go further to reach every family in Scotland, but we can only do it with the generosity of the public.”

Paul Cooney, Kiltwalk CEO, added: “CHAS is a magnificent charity doing truly wonderful work. They were there right at the start of Kiltwalk and it’s very special to see them reach the £1 million mark.

“We are very proud to support CHAS and look forward to welcoming their amazing fund-raisers at the Glasgow Kiltwalk on April 24.”