A MENSTRIE woman has completed a 150-mile fundraising challenge during the coronavirus lockdown to support Alzheimer Scotland.

Lisa Simpson challenged herself to walk 150 miles in four weeks in a bid to add meaning to her daily lockdown exercise.

The cause is close to her heart and the fundraising drive was in memory of Elizabeth MacKenzie, a close and very special family member.

Lisa, who was also keen to raise awareness of the good cause, set herself a modest target of £250 but was blown away by the support in the Wee County with £1,650 raised in the end.

And with so much encouragement and support behind her, Lisa did go the extra mile – or two – as well, completing 152 miles last Tuesday, June 9.

Lisa told the Advertiser that she was keen to do "something positive" during what has been a worrying time for many.

Elizabeth, who was described as an "amazing woman", endured Alzheimer's for more than a decade and sadly passed away last April.

Lisa said: "It had an impact on us as a family.

"The support were received from Alzheimer Scotland certainly was fantastic and to be able to give something back meant a lot."

It was a challenge for the Menstrie woman, who is usually stuck behind her desk due to the nature of her job.

However, she was out walking every day, rain or shine, and was spurred on by the many donors and their good wishes as the weeks went on.

Being able to raise £1,650 was "phenomenal" for Lisa, who managed to keep the walks interesting and fresh by picking different routes and paths around her home in the Hillfoots.

Completing the final stint was an emotional moment.

In a social media post, she told supporters: "I want to thank each and everyone of you from the bottom of my heart for all of your words of encouragement; likes and loves throughout; it truly kept me going on those days I really struggled to be motivated."

She also gave the charity's Denise Priestley a special mention for going above and beyond when providing care.

Alzheimer Scotland is looking to make sure no one faces the terrible disease alone and runs a support group in the Wee County.

Furthermore, and as reported in the Advertiser this April, local volunteers have completed a fundraising campaign to establish a community-focused Dementia Resource Centre in Alloa – set to open once the coronavirus crisis is over.

And while Lisa has also just completed a mammoth challenge, she reckons there will be more coming.

She said :"I would definitely look to do something similar again.

"The sense of achievement in doing it and raising so much money in such a short space of time; it was just fantastic."

Alzheimer Scotland is offering a helpline during the coronavirus crisis, call 0808 808 3000 for support.