A 5km Santa Dash has raised over £27,000 in memory of a woman who sadly passed away in October this year following a tragic accident in water just outside Fintry.
The event, held to remember Julie Mitchell, has helped purchase two, state-of-the art, search and rescue drones for Drymen-based Lomond Mountain Rescue.
Julie’s twin sister Lesley Kinnaird says that had this equipment been available on the day Julie came to be in the water she might have been saved in time.
In her fundraising appeal, Lesley said: “My beautiful twin sister Julie tragically passed away on Sunday, October 27, aged just 55. Despite desperate attempts to save her by us, the police and the fire brigade, it was too late.
“We have gone over and over the situation and what we could have done differently, that could have made a difference.
“Then I thought if only we had a drone with thermal imaging cameras, she could have possibly been found in time.
“I have done some research and there are only two in Scotland at present, one in Dumfries and Galloway and one in Penicuik.
“The search and rescue team that eventually retrieved Julie were from Drymen and they don’t have one so I am hoping you will all help me try and raise £30,000 to buy two for this team and provide extra accessories and staff training.
“The area they cover is vast and includes Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. If we raise enough for two drones they will share them with their neighbouring mountain rescue teams.
“Sadly there’s nothing that can bring Julie back but if we can help save lives with this technology it will bring us some comfort and to know another family aren’t going through the desperate grief that we are.”
The fundraising run was held at Milngavie Reservoir recently.
More than 86 walkers and runners were in attendance, with all the fundraising efforts going towards the appeal.
Lesley said: “I am blessed to have Milngavie Reservoir just 1km from my doorstep, it is a site which holds such deep significance for myself and Julie.
“It was a cherished spot where we spent countless hours together, sharing our passion for fitness, health, and wellbeing through walks, runs, and training for events over the years.
“My sister Julie was such a kind-hearted and giving person who did so much for charity. Our annual Fitness Garage Charity Santa Dash, at Milngavie Reservoir, which we first hosted in 2020, was one of our favourite events and always brought festive cheer to the community.”
Lesley, who owns a fitness studio in Milngavie, has a history of using the Santa Dash and other organised race events to support meaningful causes, previously raising funds for Funding Neuro and breast cancer charities.
David Dodson, Team Leader at Lomond Mountain Rescue said: “We are deeply grateful to Lesley and everyone who participated in this incredible event in memory of Julie.
“The generous funds raised will enable us to purchase new drones and provide essential training, which will strengthen our search and rescue capabilities.
“These drones will be crucial in improving our response times and safety during operations, ensuring we can act swiftly and effectively in challenging situations.
“In time, our goal is to be able to share our expertise and drone capability with our neighbouring teams, Killin and Ochils MRTs if they request it.
“This large donation is a powerful tribute to Julie’s memory and the community’s support for the vital work our teams carry out.”
At the event, Lomond Mountain Rescue ran a test flight of ‘Julie’s Angel Wings’, one the drones they have been able to purchase thanks to Lesley’s fundraising.
Scottish Water and East Dunbartonshire Partnership Rangers as well as local radio personality Gina McKie were also in attendance to introduce and support the Santa Dash.
Fundraisers, all wearing pink Santa hats, began at Milngavie Reservoir’s hub before following the trail around the water. The dash was completed with runners crossing the iconic bridge before heading into the town centre where participants were treated to a celebratory hot chocolate.
For more information and to support Lesley’s efforts, donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/page/lesley-kinnaird-1731142038716.