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Father and son set to walk Cromarty and Kessock bridges in memory of brave wife and mother for Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust


By Hector MacKenzie

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Kenny McDonald with his late wife Vivienne and Jacob.
Kenny McDonald with his late wife Vivienne and Jacob.

A FATHER and son will walk across two landmark Ross-shire bridges this weekend in tribute to the wife and mother they lost to a terrible disease.

Little Jacob McDonald (6) will be accompanied by dad Kenny as they cross the Cromarty Bridge and Kessock Bridge on Sunday as part of a plucky charity fundraising effort in memory of Vivienne, who was only 32 when she succumbed to pulmonary fibrosis.

Mr McDonald said: "We are doing the charity bridge walks from June for The Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust because I want to raise awareness of this terrible disease."

Vivienne spent 18 months watching her son grow up before she died. The thoughtful mum also created memory boxes for Jacob, writing letters filled with advice for his milestone birthdays and events.

Kenny and Jacob are now ambassadors for the charity and keen to make a difference to help others.
Kenny and Jacob are now ambassadors for the charity and keen to make a difference to help others.

Mr McDonald said that in just a few short years he went from being a husband, to a carer, to a dad and then to a widow and single parent.

After some tough years following her death, he is now an ambassador of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust, where Jacob is also a mascot.

Mr McDonald said the bridge walks will also honour "fallen comrades and warriors who I have come to know and love".

They hope a few extra donations now could help them reach their £5000 target. They have already been pledged £4300.

Pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive lung disease that has no cure.

More than 8000 people die from it each year in the UK.

The Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust was established to help all those affected by the disease. Help is given by providing emotional support, practical support like mobility scooters, portable oxygen and stair lifts and by raising awareness.

The charity relies totally on donations to enable it to help others, especially those nearing end of life.

Vivienne planned ahead for Jacob before her tragically early death.
Vivienne planned ahead for Jacob before her tragically early death.

Mr McDonald said: "The Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust are an amazing charity who have done so much to help myself and Jacob in our time of need. Please help us to help them. We know times have been tough lately but any donation large or small will be very appreciated and go a long way to help others, Thank you."

To get involved in the fundraiser see here


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