"Gabby was always thinking about how other people felt."

Bill is encouraging others to take on a challenge (or two) for Strathcarron Hospice’s 45^th anniversary year - after signing up to take part in eleven fundraising events (so far) in memory of his wife Gabby.

Bill Keith‘s wife of 31 years Gabby, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in October 2023.

Despite treatment, Gabby was admitted to Strathcarron Hospice on 19 July 2024.

Within 24 hours of Gabby arriving at the Hospice, she had signed Bill up to do four Strathcarron fundraising events to give back to the place that was caring for her.

In 2024 this included a zipslide across the River Clyde, a 10K and for 2025, a skydive & a 10-day trek challenge in Kerala, India.

Bill, from Cumbernauld, said: “Gabby was a very positive, outgoing caring person. She was always looking to try and help everyone and anyone.  When she got sick, she never complained once. Gabby was always thinking about how other people felt. She didn’t want anyone to think of her differently, she wanted their memories to be of her before she got sick and not how she was the last few weeks and days of her wonderful life”.

He added: “From the first day we arrived at Strathcarron, the support we were given was immense.

“Gabby was so caring - before she was bedridden, she was walking around speaking to other patients and their families and giving support to try and help the people around her.

“We used to donate to the hospice retail shops and buy from them, and we knew the Hospice received funding, but didn’t realise there was such a big gulf to make up in donations and fundraising.

“Within 24 hours of being here, Gabby had signed me up for four events – she wanted to give something back.

“You never want to see anyone you love to go into the Hospice, but when we were there, you couldn’t fault the care – mentally and physically. I will never forget it.

“Ultimately, we both knew what was coming, but didn’t want to say it out loud.

“Gabby fell asleep on 24 August 2024. She was a wonderful woman … I miss her more than I can express.”

Bill with family and friends taking part in the Strathcarron Zipslide

Despite his grief, the first event Bill took part in – the zipslide - was just two days after he had delivered the service for the celebration of Gabby’s life. On the day of the event, 9 family and friends also joined him to do and complete the zip slide and remember Gabby.

Bill may be recognisable to some who have taken part in Strathcarron challenges since 2024, as he completes his challenges in fancy dress. He has also completed the Strathcarron 10K twice and the skydive with Gabby’s face on a pillow, which he strapped to his front so that she was with him all the way.

“I want my/our participation to be about the Hospice and their need, and for me never to forget Gabby."

“I want to do the challenges and Gabby wanted me to do them too. It gives me a focus and it’s helping to keep me busy.

“When I did the Kerala trek, I was nervous that first day, but when we all met up at the airport, you soon get to know each other. There was a range of people from novices to seasoned walkers. We all supported each other.

“If anyone is considering taking on a challenge, I would say go with an open mind and with the memories of your loved one. The toughest parts for me are not so much the physical aspects, but the mental, as I’m doing them with my wife no longer here for me to talk to about and share the daft things I do and the photos/videos we could and would usually share with one another.

“Gabby wanted us to give back for the six weeks and a day we were at the Hospice. We set an initial target of £500 across the initial four events and within days we had raised £5,000. We were humbled to have received such support.  In 2025 we also supported the Strathcarron Golf Day and did the 10k for a second time.  To date, with family, friends and colleagues support we have raised just over £17,000.  In honour of my gorgeous wife, I shall continue to endeavour to raise even more with the events across this year.  In 2026, we will complete the Firewalk over hot coals; Abseil off the Falkirk Wheel; take part in the Hospice Golf day again, run the 10k again and Cycle around Sri Lanka for 10 days in November.

“Gabby & I will continue to support Strathcarron in any way we can.  I hope others do too.”

 You can donate to Bill's charity fundraising in memory of Gabby here Gabby's in Memory Fundraising 

If you would like to find more about signing up to support Strathcarron Hospice as part of our 45t^h anniversary year, find out more: Celebrate 45 Years of Strathcarron Hospice