It's Braveheart time in Scotland – with 34-year-old Robert Grainger strapping up to take on the challenge of Sir Tom Hunter’s Glasgow Kiltwalk at the end of the month!

Robert, an accountancy assistant from Alloa, is taking on ‘The Wee Stroll’, the Kiltwalk’s mid-level challenge which just happens to be a breakneck forced march for 14.5 miles o’er hills and babbling brooks from Clydebank to Loch Lomond.

And he’s doing it to raise money for us because his fiancée Megan, came down with ME with a huge thump after a viral infection while working in a care home three years ago.

It was a very scary time and she was at death’s door for a while, Robert remembers with a shiver. But, thankfully, she’s much better these days.

“But every day I still see how much it affects her life. It’s not just tiredness. It can mean severe exhaustion, chronic pain, reduced mobility, and having to miss out on things most people take for granted. Some days even simple everyday tasks can be a huge struggle.”

The couple will get married on 11th September this year.

Robert was speaking to us just after watching his favourite team, Scotland (of course!), being thrashed by Japan at the big football friendly in Hampden Park before both teams line for the World Cup. “Dreadful game – I sat freezing in the stands, getting more despondent by the minute. We’ve got to do better than this!”

Personally, he is! The man who already works part-time as a finance officer with Money Advice Scotland is now in his second year as a mature student at Stirling University, where he is studying for an accountancy degree.

And he comes from a family with a rich heritage of public service. His mother, Janine, was chief executive at Wellbeing Scotland for a while. Robert remembers going with her into the office lots of times as a child.

What of his fiancée Megan? How is she nowadays?

I’m much better, thanks. I have good days and bad days and still have to spend quite a bit of time resting in bed. When we do go out, I’m always in a wheelchair because my mobility is not up to much.
Megan (28) told us

On the big day of his Kiltwalk – Thursday 26th April – he’ll be out there among the huge crowds, walking his four-year-old Stafordshire bull terrier, who goes by the name of Obi. We’re sure they will both enjoy the stretch!

If you would like to support Robert and Obi, both walking for The MEA, please make a donation via their page below. Thank you!