Had I not found Scottish Hazards after my wee brother died in a workplace electrocution, I wouldn't have been able to heal as much as I have, with the strength I have found.

This year marks 20 years since Michael's death, and I hope to be able to raise £20000 for Scottish Hazards to mark this horrible anniversary, so the charity's preventative work can continue, stopping other families suffering our heartbreak.

I'm proud to be a trustee of the charity, which works tirelessly to make Scotland a safer, healthier and fairer place to work and live.

The Plan for our fundraising had been:

From Monday 29 September until Saturday 04 October, my partner Colm Allen and I would be making our way across Scotland on our bikes, aiming to cover at least 485kms. The significance of the distance taken from the fact Michael died on 04.08.05. And with significant points along the way. Leaving from Bo'ness, where he left home that fateful day, and having our first stop in Dundee, the city where he lost his life. We will also cross Loch Lomond, on whose banks Simon Midgley and Richard Dyson lost their lives in the Cameron House hotel fire. I've been supporting Simon's mum and sister through the justice processes over many years. And finally ending in Dornie, to stay with Catriona Lockhart, whose partner Clive died while working for Mowi Scotland. I've again been supporting Catriona over many years.

Storm Amy had other ideas though! And so, while our first 2 days went to plan - Bo'ness to Dundee then Dundee to Callander - we had to frantically re-route and rearrange accommodation to stay out of, or ahead of , the Storm's path. Which also meant we couldn't cross Loch Lomond, and we ultimately couldn't make Kyle of Lochalsh due to, of all the ironies, a powercut.

We did cover 485kms though. Often in pretty keich conditions. And we did it in one day less than we set out to. We also did 15905 feet of climbing (4848 metres - the significance being a little spooky given Michael died on 04/08).

Most importantly, we did all of this while constantly assessing risk and revising plans to keep ourselves safe. And we can't thank everyone enough for the supportive messages and donations along the way. 💜

Earlier in the year, on Sunday 14 September, I took part in the Edinburgh Kiltwalk, the only one I hadn't already done. I was meant to do this one in September 2023, but this was when my mum was in end of life care. Others did it in my place, which I'm eternally grateful to them for. But it was unfinished business for me. Which I was relieved to get finished as knee pain took hold of me during the last 7 miles of the 21 mile route.

And, in the weekend leading up to International Workers' Memorial Day, I took part in the Big Stroll Kiltwalk, alongside Nicky Midgley, sister of Simon. The hotel where he and his partner Richard lost their lives is situated very close to where we crossed the finish line. Two sisters who no longer have their brothers because of entirely preventable workplace incidents.

It's been a year of challenges, dueing which your support has, as always, been hugely appreciated. 💜