Family take on global fundraising challenges for Strathcarron in loving memory of Jill

A family has carried out an emotional fundraising walk on the Spanish coast and a sponsored cycle in the United Arab Emirates in aid of Strathcarron in memory of Stirling mum and wife Jill Williamson.

Jill's husband Alastair and their children Derek and Jan completed a walk from Estepona to Marbella in February, completing a 20 mile journey to fundraise for Strathcarron Hospice who supported and cared for Jill before she passed away.

Alastair’s nephew Colin Wright also contributed to the family fundraising after taking on a sponsored cycle from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and back - over 200km.

Jill's nephew Colin 

Alastair and Jill had holidays around Estepona for 37 years and had shared many happy memories in that area.

When Jill sadly died on 16 December 2025 aged just 67, Alastair felt it would be a fitting tribute to complete the walk the couple never got to complete together.

Alastair who lives in Stirling, said: “Jill was a wonderful person. She was always thinking about others – she was a very caring. She was a brilliant cook and loved her jobs in catering in the hospital, school kitchens and The Pirnhall restaurant.

“We did a lot of walking on our holidays and never managed to complete the coastal path as it was always too hot. We shared so many wonderful memories together of that area.

It felt like a fitting thing to do as a family in Jill’s memory. We started at 7.15am and at times the conditions were horrendous – cold and windy – the sun cream and shorts were not needed!

“It was a tough, hard walk and we had blisters by the end. It was really emotional but we have raised over £4454 and rising which we are really proud of with our Spain walk and Colin has raised over £900. I am really proud of my kids and Colin. It was a really special experience to complete this challenge with one another.”

You can view a video documenting the family’s challenge here Williamson Spain Challenge in Memory of Jill YouTube

You can donate to the Williamson family challenge in memory of Jill here

www.strathcarronhospice.net/fundraisers/20-mile-spanish-walk-for-jill