St Andrews-based business owner, Ashley Horth, is gearing up to take part in the Dundee Kiltwalk to support her husband of 16 years.
In a step up from her daily dog walks, she will be taking on the Mighty Stride, a 20-mile walk, on Sunday 20 August along with her sister, Amie, 38, Tayport, Fife, to help raise essential funds for Muscular Dystrophy UK, a charity with a cause close to her heart.
In 2017 Ashley’s husband Bruce, now 44, was diagnosed with a form of muscular dystrophy, which is a muscle-wasting condition whereby the muscles struggle to repair themselves and maintain strength. More than 6,000 people in Scotland have muscular dystrophy, and although there is currently no cure, research to develop potential treatments is showing great promise.
Ashley, 35, from Balmullo, Fife, said: “Bruce has Bethlem myopathy, which is a very unknown condition. It affects him every day in the smallest decisions, because the extent of his muscle weakness and energy levels determines where he can go and what he can do. It’s exhausting for him, which is why I want to raise awareness and funds to help support research and others living with a muscle-wasting condition.”
The Kiltwalk is one of Scotland’s largest mass fundraising events, and it’s the first time Ashley is taking part in a walking challenge for the charity. Although she’s apprehensive about the task, she’s been training for the Kiltwalk and Bruce will be there to cheer her on.
“I’m feeling nervous about the Kiltwalk as I’ve never done anything like this before and I’m not the fittest person. I’m worried about how my body will cope but hoping the training will help build up my strength. I can’t face a marathon, so this is as big a challenge as I can take on now.
“I am excited to enjoy the atmosphere and spend the day with my sister, who’s doing the Kiltwalk with me. I’m hoping to find a blue coloured kilt for the day.”
Ashley owns a small pottery business called Sweet Pea Pottery, based in St Andrews, where customers can paint pottery and adults can even join an evening ‘clay club’ to learn how to make their own and through the business has so far raised £140 for the charity.
Please support Ashley and her sister on their fundraising step by step: justgiving.com/fundraising/ashley-horth1.
Jodie Whitham, Regional Development Manager for Scotland and Northern Ireland, at Muscular Dystrophy UK, said: “We’re grateful that Ashley and her sister are taking on Dundee Kiltwalk, which covers St Andrews to Dundee for Muscular Dystrophy UK. Thank you for supporting and the money raised will help to support those living with a muscle wasting condition and help fund essential research . Good luck Ashley, Amie and everyone else taking part.”