A Scottish woman will be swapping fear for walking boots next month as she takes on the West Highland Way for charity.
Rachel Patrick, from Rutherglen, is set to complete the walk in seven days to raise money for the MS Society and Pumpkin and Friends after being inspired to do good following a diagnosis of clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) – a type of MS, 18 months ago.
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The 45-year-old said: "I was very scared when I got the diagnosis.
"I remember I was sitting in the car outside B and M when I took the phone call.
"I phoned my mum and barely got the M out before I just burst into tears.
"I started getting just really down and fed up and every time get out of bed and had pain I would think is this it?
"I was letting it take over my life."
After letting her diagnosis eat away at her, Rachel decided time was up on her fear and grief.
She decided instead to set herself a mighty goal that would do good for her and charity.
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She said: "I got the idea after reading Sam Heughan’s memoir and learning about Pumpkin, the Paralysed Westie.
"I had an epiphany moment and thought, what if this is as good as my body will be? I told myself I need to stop waiting till I felt better to do things, and instead get on with it.
"So, I sort of put two-and-two together and decided that me and my young 16-month westie, Isla, could do the West Highland Way."
Rachel and Isla will start their walk on Saturday, May 27 with the aim of completing the entire walk within the week.
With a couple of weeks till the event and Isla raring to go, Rachel is feeling a mixture of emotions.
She said: "It's daunting but very exciting.
"I've done a couple of practice walks of the first part of West Highland Way, just to make sure I'm fit enough to do it and will cope.
"It's exciting to know that when it does get tough, I will be taking the good wishes from donators on the journey with me.
"I just hope I don't let the people down."
Rachel set up the fundraising page on Just Giving, with a target of raising £500, with half being given to each charity.
However, after just several days, the target has been surpassed with around £540 raised.
Rachel wanted to thank both her donators and consultants.
She added: "My consultant guessed where my head was going before I got there and stopped me from catastrophising
"I'm very grateful for them understanding me as an individual."
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Tammie Fox of the Pumpkin and Friends charity said: "Pumpkin and Friends charity are so grateful to Rachel Patrick and her dog, Isla, for doing this fundraiser.
"We thank her from the bottom of our hearts and wish them lots of luck. She is an amazing, selfless lady.
"The money raised will buy wheelchairs for animals with disabilities, giving them their mobility back."
Morna Simpkins, director of MS Society Scotland, added: “We would like to say a huge thank you to Rachel for taking on this difficult and impressive challenge. We would also like to wish her luck and hope she enjoys the week."
If you'd like to donate to Rachel and Isla's fundraiser, click HERE
To find out more about the work Pumpkin and Friends charity do, click HERE
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