Kimberley's run, hike, swim Scotland

Find out more about Kimberley Hearns, who took part in the 3k Luss Swim Festival on Saturday 26th August.  It was the final leg of a 3 part challenge she set herself to raise funds for St Margaret of Scotland Hospice in Clydebank. 

In January this year, I decided to run the Race for life 10k - having never run anything more than a 5k fun run. Climb 5 Munros over 3 days - first hill walk was January this year. Lastly, I wanted to do an open water swim - you guessed it, having never done one I signed up for the 3k in Loch Lubnaig. 

 The run went off without a hitch, the Scottish weather made the Munros more of a challenge than they already are and I took unwell and had to pull out of the Loch Lubnaig swim. Thankfully, Vigour Events had their event in Luss and I was able to finish my challenge. 

I had trained for the 3k distance in a pool, 120 lengths is a laborious task. I decided just to wing it when it came to the wetsuit and open water part. Bit of a mistake! Once I got over the cold on Saturday I put my head under the water and instantly didn't like the dark water. Panic was setting in and I struggled to control my breathing, so ended up doing most of the swim with my head above water, but I made it and completed the 3k. A big thanks to Seamus who was giving me some words of encouragement on my way around. 

St Margaret of Scotland Hospice in Clydebank is a terrific organisation that provides support to both the patients and their families when they need it most.  They are Scotland’s largest hospice and provide an absolutely amazing service to patients and families dealing with Cancer. The staff are amazing, nothing is too much and they give families much-needed respite. They rely heavily on volunteers and fundraising and require 30k every week just to keep the doors opened.

If you can help me raise money for this great cause, please donate directly to the fundraising page - JustGiving sends your donation straight to St Margaret of Scotland Hospice and automatically reclaims Gift Aid if you are a UK taxpayer, so your donation is worth even more.