A walk in memory of an inspirational Ayr lad has raised an incredible sum of money for a cancer charity.
The 'Jay Walk', a tribute to Jay Kennedy has toppled the £90,000 mark after an initial aim to raise £15,000 for Ayrshire Cancer Support.
The sum described as 'crazy' by family will go towards a therapy and support rooms when the charity's new Ayr facility opens.
Jay died from brain cancer, aged 20, last October after a bravely fought 18-month battle.
His grieving family set out to raise funds in his honour to support other youngsters in Ayrshire facing a cancer fight.
Mum Dawn Kennedy, dad Bryan Kennedy and big brother Blair Kennedy, and nurse Gail Nisbet worked together to create a legacy in memory of Jay.
A total of 300 supporters walked the entire length of the River Ayr turning the 44 mile stretch of walkway from Glenbuck to Ayr into a ‘sea of green’ one what would have been Jay’s 21st birthday, back in June.
At the time, the walk had scored an incredible £50,000 as the family became founding sponsors of the new centre.
But donations continued to pour in following the trek.
Now, they have handed over the final cheque to the grateful charity, with the total a whopping £91,206 – all in Jay’s name.
Mum Dawn Kennedy has paid an emotional heartfelt thanks to everyone for their support.
Posting on The Jay Walk official page. Dawn said: “It is our absolute honour to hand over The Jay Walk cheque to Ayrshire Cancer Support for the phenomenal amount of £91,206.
“We have thanked you all from the bottom of our hearts so many times and we do again.
“To all of you who shared the page, helped, sponsored, enthusiastically fund raised, donated food, drinks, banners, T-shirts, designed and funded the poker chips, offered support, walked, a MASSIVE thankyou from us and Jay.”
Caring nurse Gail sparked the idea for the fundraiser after promising Jay she would do a walk for him.
The District Nurse came into the family’s life to look after the former Belmont Academy pupil in his final days.
Dawn admits the family were terrified of even hitting the initial £15,000 target after being “exhausted in the grip of grief and disbelief," with Gail panicking over the enormity of the task.
However she believes their target was achieved with Jay “at the wheel” as the donations continued to pour in.
Dawn says the walk embodied Jay’s “love, hope, and courage”.
She added: “We will never forget the sea of green flowing down The River Ayr Way the image of Jay and Blair proudly carried on everyone’s back.”
Brother Blair paid an emotional thanks. He said: “£91,206 raised for Ayrshire Cancer Support in Jays name. A crazy, crazy amount which was way beyond our target of £15,000.
“Thanks so much to everyone who donated, supported and took part in The Jay Walk. Keep Jay in your thoughts and minds, say his name, tell us your memories of him, we want to hear them.
“We love you so much my bro, I wish we could exchange the money for another hour with you, everything I do is for you. Forever and ever.”
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