Members of CAMPS (Cumnock Area Musical Production Society) are embarking on a fundraising walk stretching 22 miles along the River Ayr this weekend to raise money for

Muscular Dystrophy UK following the sudden death of one of their long-standing members.

Scott Riddex, who has been described as “central to the productions and everything else” at CAMPS, sadly passed away a few weeks ago after battling with Muscular Dystrophy (MD), a condition which causes progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass.

As tribute to him, several members will set off on the walk on Saturday, June 19 with all funds raised being split between Muscular Dystrophy UK and further refurbishment at the Barrhill Community Centre, where the group is based.

CAMPS Secretary Ciss McCreadie explained: “It was just going to be a fundraiser solely for our own group however three or so weeks ago one of our long-serving members actually passed away.

“He had Muscular Dystrophy and we were asked by his family that instead of flowers, we give a donation so we decided to do the fundraiser with 50 per cent for MD and 50 per cent for getting some families back in the centre.

“Scott was in his late 30s/early 40s so it’s not as if he was an elderly member. He was one of our first members and has been there since day one.

“We felt we wanted to mark Scott’s membership in some way so when it was put to us that we share the proceeds of the fundraiser, everyone said ‘yes’.

“It’s a great cause and it’s not just CAMPS members walking but some of our supporters, too.

“In all our productions, Scott was involved in some way.

“He was always central to the productions and everything else. We always thought about him. Musical theatre shouldn’t have any limits on who can do it.”

CAMPS have the lease of the community centre and over 20 different groups meet there regularly, from musical tots right through to elderly groups.

Members are trying to get some of those groups back in action as soon as it is safe to do so.

Ciss continued: “There’s a huge big refurb programme going on right now which is nearly finished with for this phase.

“We decided to use lockdown as an opportunity to upgrade all the rooms so new flooring has been put down throughout the building. The refurb we wanted to do would’ve been nearly impossible when groups where there so we thought, now’s the time.

"MD UK has sent a few t-shirts and arm bands so we’ll be wearing them on the walk and will be encouraging CAMPS members to wear their t-shirts, too.”

If you would like to donate, click here.