A LARGS woman has raised nearly £1,000 in memory of her mother after embarking on a walking challenge for charity.
Melanie Robson, who is a retired secretary from Hunterston Power Station, has expressed her gratitude to Ayrshire Hospice for all the support that her mother received before she passed away in April at the age of 83.
Melanie completed a 500-mile charity walk by covering an average of 10 miles every day for 50 days, and raised the impressive sum of £935.
Melanie was joined by friends and family throughout her walking expeditions along the Clyde Coast, including her father Drew - a well kent face at the Largs Live music weekend - who is 79.
Melanie is married to David, and has two sons, Dale and Luke.
Melanie said: "My mum was so devoted to her family, and was always bubbly and chatty by nature.
"She had not been out of the house for a long time, and had been bedbound for the past 18 months.
"The hospice have been brilliant, and I wanted to do the walk as a special thank you for all their support and it became a focal point after mum passed away."
Jean was born in Maryhill and moved around a lot as her own father was in the army, and she married Drew and moved to Largs, where she worked in local bars including MacAulay's Bar under aits previous guise of The Argosy. She then went on to become a carer for many years.
Living in Walkerston Avenue, she loved her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and is even survived by a great great grandchild.
It was nearly 15 years ago that Jean was first diagnosed with cancer and she attended Ayrshire Hospice regularly every week or two, staying with the hospice for seven weeks last year. The great gran passed away at Ayrshire Central Hospital on April 25.
Melanie, who has an older sister Tina, younger sister Samantha, and a brother Warren, said: "I walked around Millport and would also walk to Fairlie and back. I had extra miles in the bank for when I went on holiday where it was quite hot, so only managed six or seven miles a day.
Melanie, who was secretary to the directors and managers when she worked at Hunterston B for 31 years, is now retired.
She said: "My mum is missed by everybody and she doted on all her grandchildren. She has nine grandchildren, two great grandchildren and one great great grandchild and she loved them all.
"I was determined to do it, and I was joined by family and friends on my walks, and was delighted to complete the 500 miles, and raise a great sum for Ayrshire Hospice. I am really pleased and didn't expect to raise so much."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here