An inspirational Fife woman will finally be able to put her feet up after taking on an incredible walking challenge throughout 2018.
Debbie Proudfoot, 52, from Strathmiglo, will no doubt be able to raise a glass this Hogmanay to all those who have supported her after raising more than £10,000 for Cancer Research UK in memory of her late husband Gordon, who passed away four years ago.
Debbie has organised fundraising events throughout the last 12 months to raise cash and awareness for the cause closest to her heart.
She also joined her 73-year-old pal Kay Simpson in Australia for six weeks over the summer to help her cross the unforgiving Simpson Desert in a Toyota Landcruiser, previously owned by Kay’s late partner Duncan Strachan, who died in a tragic accident in Spain in 2013.
She also took on on a personal challenge of her own to walk 10 miles every day of 2018 – and that feat will be ticked off the list when she crosses the ‘finishing line’ in her home village of Strathmiglo on Monday.
“After losing my husband Gordon to cancer in 2014 I found it difficult even to say the word cancer without tears so last year decided to face it head on and raise some money for Cancer Research UK,” she explained.
“My aim was to raise £10,000 by organising a public event each month — coffee morning, Halloween dance, pub quiz, a group cycle of 1000 miles in 24 hours etc, and over and above that I decided to try and walk 3650 miles, 10 miles a day every day of 2018.
“I also drove and walked through Australian deserts with my 73-year-old pal and an ancient land cruiser shipped over from Scotland – all with a combined age of 145 years.
“I’m proud to say we tackled the notorious Simpson Desert and survived.”
Money continues to roll into a JustGiving page Debbie set up for Cancer Research UK and, after a well-earned rest tonight, she will no doubt turn her attention to something else in 2019.
“I have already reached my target of £10,000 and so proud of my friends who have helped, she added.
“By the time I have finished I will have walked nine million steps and walked timewise 24/7 for six-and-a-half weeks.”
Anyone wishing to donate to Debbie’s page can do so via www.justgiving.com/fundraising/deborah-proudfoot2
