Sailor's 96-mile adventure is in memory of her father

A sailor from HMS Sultan is preparing to take on a series of walks in memory of her dad and raise funds for the charity Marie Curie.

Over the Easter leave period leading medical assistant Kirsty Taylor will walk the 96 miles of the West Highland way from Milngavie, north of Glasgow to Fort William and Ben Nevis.

On completion she will attempt the Three Peaks Challenge of climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon.

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Kirsty’s inspiration for the walk was her father Ronnie Taylor who died from a harsh and traumatic case of colon cancer in March 2006.

Ronnie worked as an engineer for IBM and was a former member of the Territorial Army.

As Kirsty progresses through life and her own military career, she continues to draw inspiration from the loving relationship they shared.

She said: ‘My dad was always one for encouraging me to go that step further and to remember that the only limits I have are the ones I set for myself.

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‘I’m sure for the past nine years he has been the most stubborn and ironic angel, laughing at me from above.

‘My daughter Molly was born after he died so they never got to meet, but I tell her lots of stories of what having my dad around was like for me.

‘I really wanted to do something as a tribute in a way that he would truly understand, appreciate and respect.

‘I have picked the route for many reasons. First and foremost it will take me through the beautiful scenery that I shared with my dad growing up and Molly will also be able to get involved.

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‘Leaving behind the TV and iPads will encourage us both to appreciate each other in a way that most of the population forgets these days.’

All the money Kirsty raises from the walk will go to Marie Curie in order to support and care for people suffering with terminal illnesses and their families.

She is hoping to raise £1,000. To sponsor Kirsty visit: justgiving.com/Kirsty-Taylor1984/?utm_.