Marion and Kirsten's story
When Kirsten experienced an ectopic pregnancy in March of this year, it was a deeply traumatic time. The support she received through The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust meant a great deal to her, and when she began to recover, she decided she wanted to give something back with Mum, Marion, right by her side.
Marion, shared their story with us:
“Kirsten had an ectopic pregnancy in March of this year. This was so traumatic for her, but the help and support she received was second to none. She wanted to recognise and give back for all the help she had been given at such a difficult time.
She asked if I would be willing to do the Kiltwalk Mighty Stride (18 miles!) on 1st June with her. Looking back, it’s so easy to say yes at the time, not really knowing what we were letting ourselves in for (I am nearly 60!)
We registered for the event and Kirsten set up a JustGiving page in the hope that we would raise £400.”
With tartan tutu’s on and determination in their hearts, training began:
“We started training – although not as much as we probably should have done! Kirsten is a hairdresser and on her feet all day every day, so the last thing she wanted to do was train in the evenings.”
Then the big day arrived – and brought more drama than expected:
“Before we knew it, Sunday 1st June had come upon us. So we donned in our tartan tutus and The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust T-shirts, we pulled up our big girl pants and off we went – chirpy and cheery.
Little did we know how wet we would get during the various rain and thunderstorms. The wetter we got, the more difficult the walk became. We changed our socks (they had to be wrung out!) and shoes and carried on – only for the fresh socks and shoes to get soaked too.
So many other Kiltwalkers jeering each other on was really helpful to keep our spirits up.”
But the challenge wasn’t over yet…
“Around the 12-mile mark, Kirsten’s knee started to really hurt. Out came the Deep Heat! The trouper that she is, she carried on. Those last 6 miles seemed to go on forever.
We thought this walk would never end, but upon entering Duthie Park (the finish), we felt quite overwhelmed, relieved, and quite emotional. But it was so worthwhile.”
And all their determination and soggy socks paid off:
“That slow form of torture raised an astonishing £860 plus £191.25 in Gift Aid. We are so humbled that people helped us raise so much for such a worthy cause.”
We’re so thankful to Kirsten and Marion for sharing their experience, their humour, and their huge hearts. Every mile, blister, and rain-soaked step has helped raise awareness and vital support for others affected by ectopic pregnancy.
If Marion and Kirsten have inspired you to take on a challenge of your own and support our work, we’d love to hear from you. Visit our fundraising page, or get in touch with our Fundraising and Campaigns Co-ordinator, Kerri, who’s always happy to help and guide you:
kerri@ectopic.org.uk