AN Erskine family due to take part in their 10th Kiltwalk in memory of their son have told how they are determined to complete the challenge once it is safe to do so.

Claire and Paul Moir, their children Connor and Rebekah and other relatives and friends – known collectively as ‘Team Aidan’ – had planned to take part in the fundraising walk on Sunday, before it was shelved due to the coronavirus crisis.

This year’s Kiltwalk was to be especially poignant for the family as Aidan would have celebrated his 18th birthday next month.

Claire said: “The Kiltwalk may have been postponed but, as a family, we are still determined to complete it one way or another, as this is such an important year for us.

“We want to do it in memory of Aidan and also for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS), as Robin House was there for us every step of the way and helped us make so many amazing memories.”

Aidan, who was aged just 10 when he died in 2012, suffered from Late Infantile Batten’s Disease – a degenerative neurological condition which slowly robbed him of the ability to walk, talk, see, eat or even hold himself up.

The Gazette: Aidan Moir is the inspiration behind the fundraising driveAidan Moir is the inspiration behind the fundraising drive

During his short life, he touched the hearts of many and, over the years, relatives and friends have offered their support to the Moir family by joining in the Kiltwalk to help continue raising funds for CHAS.

Since 2010, Team Aidan has raised more than £22,000.

Claire added: “Every year on the walk we have Team Aidan t-shirts with his face on them, so he really is with us every step of the way and we always see his cheeky wee smile.

“If any of us are struggling to carry on the walk, we just look at his face and think about how Aidan went through so much in his short life, so we can do this for him.

“Team Aidan are all looking forward to having a big party when the coronavirus is all behind us.”

The fundraisers have already generated £1,500 this year, which means £3,000 for CHAS, following an announcement by Kiltwalk patron Sir Tom Hunter that his Hunter Foundation would double all funds raised.

Charlie Leavy, events assistant at CHAS, said: “We are so grateful to Claire and all of Team Aidan for helping to raise so many funds over the years and it is heartening to hear they still intend to complete the walk in Aidan’s memory later this year.

“All the money raised through sponsorship and donations for CHAS through the Kiltwalk will help support families by providing vital care and invaluable experiences to help keep the joy alive for many children with life-shortening illnesses and their families.”

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