Virtual Kiltwalk weekend raises money for Lochlan's Legacy

After receiving official status late last year, and for the first time ever, fundraisers could choose Lochlan’s Legacy as their charity of choice, a cause set up by Cumnock Young Citizen of the Year, Lochlan Murdoch, who knows first-hand the highs and lows of living with the condition.

People turned out in their droves to support the Roberts Burns Academy pupil including Crossroads Young Farmers Club and even the Kilmarnock FC players and manager, Tommy Wright, who surprised superfan Lochlan at the end of his own 26-mile cycle.

Proud mum, Lesley, told the Chronicle: “Lochlan cycled 26 miles over three days. He did six miles round Cumnock on Friday night, 12 in Ayr on Saturday and then on Sunday he started at Rugby Park and completed a further eight miles to finish there.

"We were welcomed back at Rugby Park by the new patron of the charity, Kirk Broadfoot, who’s a defender at Killie. He also chatted with Kyle Lafferty and Tommy Wright.

“Lochlan was ecstatic that he could speak with them. It’s been such a long time since he’s been at Rugby Park.

“I walked 30 miles over the weekend and we also had around 40 young farmers from Crossroads and District who did challenges and raised over £1,000. Their chairman, David, also lives with type 1 diabetes so he has come on board as one of our ambassadors for the charity. The support has been mindblowing.”

The family are welcoming new celebrity ambassadors including ex-professional footballer player Jon-sel Gourkan and pro golfer Hannah Cook.

Lesley continued: “About a month ago, Lochlan had a set back with his mental health with his diabetes again. It was really serious and tough but the Kiltwalk spurred him on. At the end, he could see how many people came out to support him and how much it means to them.

“We also have Paul McMullan who plays for Dundee coming on and Jamie Walker who plays with Stranraer. All these ambassadors are influential people living with type 1 diabetes.”