Family walk 1000 miles - and then 800 more - in honour of Great Granny's 99th birthday
Big-hearted great-grandmother Betty Grant would always go the extra mile for any of her numerous family or friends.
Now three generations of her family have completed their challenge of walking, running, cycling – or toddling – 2901 kilometres – or 1800 miles – in her memory to raise funds for Age Scotland.
From 18-month old Violet Mann Ruxton to family members in their 70s, the challenge has brought the extended family together.
Twenty children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren beat their initial target of 2000 km by March 1, which would have been Betty’s 99th birthday, raising £2250 for the charity.
Their fundraiser came just ahead of Intergenerational Week, a week for celebrating age groups coming together to share ideas, activities, and friendships.
Betty Grant, a Glasgow mother of four, grandmother of nine, and great-grandmother of 14 passed away last summer.
Her family, who live in Glasgow, Dundee, Dover and Bristol, have been exercising with their households or meeting one other family member in their local area. While grandson Chris Grant-Pantrey completed a marathon as part of the challenge, others have fitted shorter walks and runs around home-schooling and work.
Betty’s granddaughter Julia Chan, 24, a PhD student at Abertay University, said: “It’s been really brilliant for bringing us together as a family, virtually, particularly when it is easy to feel separated during these times. We thought the snowy weather would have been challenging but everyone still managed to get out and even do some sledging!
“We wanted to support Age Scotland because they make the later years of life that much more enjoyable. Our Mum, Gran and Great Granny was able to spend her time at home supported by her daughter (my mum), fantastic carers and with lots of visits from the rest of the family.
“Many other older people are not lucky enough to get that sort of daily interaction. Age Scotland's friendship line and wider work fights against this sense of isolation, work which has been made all the time more vital by the current situation.
“I’m sure Betty would have been delighted by our challenge. We’re a very close family and usually get together for a big party at New Year. Hopefully we can all meet up and celebrate once things are back to normal!”
Betty Grant worked in a bank and as a WREN before bringing up her four children. Lorna Ruxton, who took part in the challenge with her 18-month-old daughter Violet, paid tribute to her “caring” grandmother who loved crossword puzzles, traveling and entertaining.
She said: “Betty was known for her humour, a love of adventure and a wonderful sense of fun. She never made fun of people but always brought them into the fun with a trademark giggle and smile.
“No visit to her house was complete without a whole variety of hand-made goodies and food parcels to take away. Her children and their partners were always welcome for dinner and would leave with bundles of food from Cranston’s the butchers. Grandchildren would be packed off back to uni with ice cream tubs full of tablet.
“She travelled extensively, with her husband, brother and then her children. One of her last international’s trips saw her taking New York and New Jersey by storm.
“She was a very social lady and often seemed happiest when entertaining. Her bridge nights were the stuff of legends. She kept up with her friends and a wide circle of family and always wanted to know what was new.
“We think she would appreciate the companionship of the friendship line but would probably want to make sure that we were all fed and watered after all our kilometres.”
Brian Sloan, Chief Executive of Age Scotland, said: “The Grant family’s story is truly inspiring and will make a big difference to older people throughout Scotland. What a wonderful way to celebrate Betty’s memory, and I’m sure she would have been incredibly proud of them.
“We have been inspired by generations coming together throughout the pandemic to help and support older people. While Betty was able to spend her later years surrounded by her family and loved ones, it’s heart-breaking to think of so many having no one at this time.
“Sadly our helpline hears every day from people who feel lonelier and more isolated than ever. But every penny raised will help make sure we can be there for them, and offer a friendly listening ear to anyone who needs it.”
