While many spent their Bank Holiday relaxing with family, Dr Nick Hesford, a senior advisor for Scotland's Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), set himself something more challenging. In under 48 hours, he hiked the 96-mile route along the West Highland Way to raise money for a local charity providing a vital service to families.
As he trekked from Milngavie to Fort William, he took in some of the country’s most spectacular scenery, from Scotland’s largest city to its highest mountain via its largest loch, but the main thing on his mind was the cause he was supporting. PND Borders supports families who are affected by postnatal depression throughout the Scottish Borders and, importantly, they were there for Nick and his young family after the birth of his son in 2020. With donations still coming in, he has raised over £2,500 for the vital services.
“PND Borders provide an invaluable service helping families struggling with postnatal depression, and I was keen to do something to give back. There were times when I felt like I had bitten off more than I could chew, but knowing I was raising money for a good cause kept me going”, said Nick.
Friends and family supported Nick along the way, including two of his GWCT Scotland colleagues, Kathy Fletcher and Marlies Nicolai, who each joined him for a leg of the journey and helped keep his spirits high.
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| Marlies Nicolai and Kathy Fletcher joined Nick for a leg of the journey. |
Nick has worked for the GWCT since 2017 and is well-known amongst the community in Scotland for his expert advice. While few things could prepare him for a walk like this, years spent walking Scotland’s moors undertaking grouse counts with his trusty pointing dogs have certainly helped.