The granddaughter of a late Erskine Veteran pulled on her running gear and pounded the pavement to raise vital funds for Scotland’s leading Veterans charity in memory of late Grandfather.

Kirsty Riley (42), originally from Greenock, took on the daunting challenge of running the Sunday’s Edinburgh Marathon in honour of Erskine after the charity cared for her grandfather George ‘Billy’ Melvin, a former Argyll and Sutherland Highlander, in the twilight years of his life.

Billy lived in Pearson House of The Erskine Home in Bishopton for four years, until his passing in 2007.

Kirsty trained with her local athletic club, Selby Striders, and was cheered every step of the way around the capital course by her husband and two daughters. Although now living in North Yorkshire, Kirsty has never forgotten Erskine and the levels of care provided to her beloved grandfather.

Kirsty said: “I am delighted to have taken part in the race. I run, I’m a runner, although I still don’t count myself as one. I decided to go for it and run my first marathon, in Bonnie Scotland, in memory of my Granda. Hopefully raising some funds for Erskine Veterans along the way. This is my way of saying a great big thank you for the way they took great care of our Billy.

“My last visit to The Erskine Home was 17 years ago, when I said goodbye to my Granda Melvin. He had been a resident at Erskine for quite a few years. I squeezed him so tight and hugged the ladies who cared for him.”

Erskine Chief Executive Wing Commander Ian Cumming said: “We can’t thank Kirsty, and all the other runners taking part in the Edinburgh Marathon for Erskine, enough for the dedication and generosity shown to our Veterans. It is our honour and privilege to care for Veterans like Billy.”

To donate directly to Erskine, please visit Erskine.org.uk/donate or search Erskine Veterans.

To find out more about Erskine’s work please visit our website at www.erskine.org.uk, follow on twitter @Erskine Charity via Facebook www.facebook.com/ErskineVeteransCharity or listen to Erskine Veterans Radio at Erskine.org.uk/radio or Paisley 107.5 FM