Man who lost leg two months ago completes Kiltwalk and smashes fundraising target

An amputee who aimed to finish the Glasgow Kiltwalk has completed his goal - and smashed his fundraising target.

Andy Watson, 47, finished the 22.7-mile Mighty Stride from Glasgow Green to Moss O’Balloch Park near Loch Lomond in just under nine hours.

He tackled the trek just two months after a car crash resulted in his right leg being amputated above the knee.

The Alexandria man set a modest £300 fundraising target for his effort but generous Scots instead helped the humble hero raise nearly £1,800.

Andy thanked everyone for their support and joked that after the walk he felt he had earned “a wee beer”.

He said: “I am so grateful to my friends who helped me complete it as I obviously had to take lots of rests in the chair and they were able to push me at various points so we could keep up with the crowd.

“We’re all human and we’re all so much more capable than we think we are – maybe even more than we give ourselves credit for – so my only message would be for people to never feel scared to try something.” 

Andy was inspired to complete the walk after he suffered a traumatic limb loss just two months ago. 

He was standing by the side of the road in Helensburgh, Dunbartonshire, when a car lurched forward and pinned him against a wall.

Andy is now being helped by Digby Brown in the hope of accessing enhanced treatment and prosthetic support.

Recalling the walk, he said: “We set off around 7am on the day of the walk and I think it was about 3.30pm when we crossed the finish line. 

“I’m just a normal guy doing what I feel to be a normal thing - to push yourself and stay positive. 

“Sitting doing nothing would lead to a depressing cycle and I’m determined to not let that happen.

“Completing this walk was a way of proving to myself that losing my leg doesn’t mean my life is over.

“I’d like to thank everyone who donated to my JustGiving page as I was completely blown away when I saw the total raised, not to mention all the messages of support.

“So when I got home I felt I had earned a wee beer so I allowed myself to have that wee positive moment. 

“To everyone behind the scenes who helped me get to where I currently am, thank you.

“There were a few people telling me they thought I was doing something really inspiring and while I know what they mean I didn’t quite feel that way myself."

The money Andy raised will go to Down’s Syndrome Scotland after the positive outreach work he’s seen and learned of through his friend.

More coverage of Andy's story can be found in Glasgow Times.