September is Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month, from 14th to 20th September 2026, I am planning to walk 156 miles in seven days for my mum, Sandra, following her ruptured brain aneurysm. Mum has shown incredible courage and strength throughout her illness and recovery. I am taking on this challenge to honour her, raise awareness of brain aneurysms and generate vital funds to support other individuals and families affected.

Mum was fit and active before becoming seriously ill at home. Thankfully, my niece Maisie realised something was wrong and raised the alarm. Mum was taken from Fettercairn to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, where doctors stabilised her and drained the bleed on her brain.

We were told that her condition was extremely poor and that she might not be strong enough for the lifesaving operation she needed. We knew Mum was a fighter, and she proved us right. She improved enough to be transferred to Edinburgh for surgery and continues to make progress.

My siblings, Angela, Robert and Janice, have been an incredible source of support for Mum and for me, particularly while I have been working away offshore. Together, we feel incredibly grateful that Mum survived and is still able to recognise us, talk to us and share her wonderful sense of humour.

This challenge and the 156 miles represent every mile Mum travelled by ambulance while fighting for her life, from Fettercairn to Aberdeen and then from Aberdeen to Edinburgh.

I will walk from Montrose through Fettercairn, across the Cairn o’ Mount and through Royal Deeside to Braemar, before returning along the same route. I’ll carry around 15–16kg of equipment and sleep in a one-person tent along the way.

This challenge recognises Mum’s courage while supporting other families affected by brain aneurysms, including those whose loved ones sadly did not survive.