Young Shieldhill brothers walking a mile a day in May to thank stroke unit for looking after granddad

Shieldhill siblings Jack and Stuart Hunter, who are ten and six respectively, came up with the idea of strolling a mile a day in May to raise funds for Ward B21/22, the Acute Stroke and Rehabilitation Unit at Forth Valley Royal Hospital where their granddad, Eddie Hunter 75, was looked after.

The kindhearted schoolboys have already smashed through their initial £100 target, having gathered over £800, and are hopeful of coining in more cash by continuing their family walks through the fields of Shieldhill and California.

In March, Eddie’s wife Valerie sent a poignant thank you message to two postmen who helped to save her husband’s life when he collapsed in the front garden of their Langlees home.

The Royal Mail employees, who were on shift nearby, quickly called for an ambulance and kept him awake.

Having been transferred to The Bellfield Centre in Stirling to continue his recovery, Eddie is making progress and receiving physiotherapy to aid his walking.

His loved ones will never forget the part either the posties or the healthcare staff played at a time of desperate need.

The full family has been touched by the fundraiser devised by Eddie’s grandchildren.

Mum Tyne Hunter, Eddie’s daughter-in-law, and dad Alan, who join their sons on their daily hikes, say the challenge has also given Eddie much-need inspiration.

Tyne said: “He loves them to bits.

“Because Eddie isn’t able to see the boys, this is keeping him going. The boys sent him a teddy to keep him company.

“He’s bursting with pride and Alan and I are also really proud. They’ve got really kind hearts.

“It was my oldest son’s idea to start with. He wanted to do something to thank the doctors and nurses who are helping his granddad.

“We were FaceTiming him and my sons were watching the nurses giving him medicine. It got Jack thinking he wanted to do something.

“They’ve enjoyed it. They’ve been doing more than a mile a day, some days doing a couple of miles.

“We’re really overwhelmed with the kindness of everybody.”

To donate, visit https://justgiving.com/fundraising/jack-stuart-bigwalk.

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