A MENSTRIE woman has hit the fundraising trail for a cause that is close to her heart.

Annemarie Tully took on the City of Stirling 10k Road Race in aid of her grandad Bill Alexander’s care home.

And after finishing with a time of 51 minutes and collecting £600 in sponsorship, the residents of The Orchard Care Centre will now enjoy a trip to a pantomime.

Annemarie told the Advertiser: “I decided that I wanted to get fit and the easiest way was to set myself up with something like that and, obviously with my grandad being here, I wanted to give something back.”

Bill, 85, is a former miner who suffers from dementia, but was full of life and bursting with joy as his granddaughter visited to hand over the cheque.

“He likes to sing and dance,” Annemarie added. “He used to like the fishing as well. He’s so happy when we are here.

“I just thought a couple of hundred would’ve been enough. I’m delighted, thank you to everyone who took the time to sponsor me.”

Annemarie’s dad and Bill’s son, Robert Alexander, was beaming with pride at his daughter’s efforts and emphasised the important work the staff at the care home do.

He said: “It’s quite a sum of money and it’s going to a good cause. Every time we come in, everyone is happy. They always blether and talk to you, it’s lovely.

“You don’t realise what the condition is like, unless you’ve got someone who has it.”