The start of spring is meant to signify a change and improvement in the weather but as I prepared for walk 16, on the 6th of March, I hoped the weather would remain as consistent as it had been all season. We have been very fortunate all season and walk 16 proved to be no different.

I was joined on the day by fellow Ruglonian Barrie Murdoch and, for his 8th walk of the season, Gordon McHugh. Barrie and his family have long supported the Hospice through their annual ‘Bobby Murdoch Memorial’ football event. Barrie’s dad was the late, great Bobby Murdoch who starred for Celtic and was part of the famous Lisbon Lions team. Sadly the pandemic meant we couldn’t get together last year but we both hope to see it return in some format this year. Myself and Barrie are now both at the stage where we don’t move much faster than the walking pace we required for the walk to Celtic Park.

For Barrie this was somewhat of a busman’s holiday as he is a postman and can walk up to 18 miles a day. This meant our 8.8 mile trip was no bother for Barrie and the pace he set was challenging for Gordon and I. The 2 hours, 7 minutes and 28 seconds to complete the walk was impressive and the second fastest so far. Only the walk with Stevie Connelly dressed as Donald Trump has been quicker.

As I mentioned, once again the weather was good to us and I hope this will be the case for the remaining 3 walks of the season and for the 26.2 mile Kiltwalk on the 24th of April. Gordon and I will be joined by Father Frank Dougan on the day. You can find out more details here https://kilbrydehospice.uk/virtual-kiltwalk-2021/

Barrie managed to raise an amazing £320 to go into the season total and I thank him for that as well as his continued support to the Hospice. I hope to catch up with him again soon when we can enjoy a pint together.

Walk 17, is planned for Saturday 20th March, and I will be joined by Hospice Ambassador Martin McHugh, his friend Jim Robertson and a couple of familiar faces are returning for their second walk of the season. We will of course still he adhering to social distancing and the regulations still in place. Hopefully over the next few weeks these ease slightly.

Stay Safe

Brian