A year on, Donald is ready to Kiltwalk!

Publication date 03 August 2019

A year ago today, Donald Scott was on his way to meet friends to go to a Fringe show, when he collapsed in Edinburgh’s Waverley Station.

He had suffered a sudden cardiac arrest, and as he lay unconscious on the platform, it was only an intervention from a thoughtful passerby – and a vital piece of equipment installed by St John Scotland – which helped save his life.

The passer-by and officers from the British Transport Police used the defibrillator – which hangs on the wall next to platform 2 – to restart Donald’s heart before the ambulance crew arrived.

Now, a full year on from his ordeal, and on the road back to full strength, Donald is walking the Kiltwalk in Edinburgh to raise money to support St John Scotland's life-saving work.

Photo of a bucket collector at Waverley station

Donald said: “I can never repay St John Scotland for saving my life, but I am determined to give back.”

The 48-year-old is taking on the 24-mile Mighty Stride on 15 September, and hopes to raise £2,000 so that St John Scotland can help more communities have access to a life-saving defibrillator and CPR awareness training.

Donald continued: “The Kiltwalk is incredible. Not only is the atmosphere amazing, but it’s the best possible platform to raise money for a charity extremely close to my heart. By walking all 24 miles I hope to raise as much money and awareness as possible.”

Photo of volunteers at Waverley station

It is the first year St John Scotland has taken part in the Kiltwalk, and Donald is one of several ambassadors who are flying the flag to raise awareness of the work we do.

Last year’s Kiltwalk events raised more than £5 million for charities across Scotland. A top-up provided by The Hunter Foundation means every walker’s fundraising total is given a 40% boost, with all funds going directly to their chosen charity.

If you’d like to following in Donald’s footsteps and walk the Kiltwalk for St John Scotland, there are two events left this year:

  • Dundee – Sunday 18 August (6 / 11 / 25 miles)
  • Edinburgh – Sunday 15 September (5 / 14.5 / 24 miles)

We are offering a free place to anyone who wants to sign up – just drop us a line at info@stjohnscotland.org.uk to book your place.

You can also support Donald’s fundraising drive by visiting his page at: https://edinburghkiltwalk2019.everydayhero.com/uk/donald