Fearless Perth schoolgirl aged just EIGHT completes brutal 96-mile trek for cancer charity in memory of her granny
Grace Harrigan's inspirational story spread among walkers on the West Highland Way, who recognised her and cheered her on her journey
AN INSPIRATIONAL schoolgirl from Perth left walkers in awe as she completely a brutal 96-mile trek in memory of her granny.
Fearless Grace Harrfigan, aged just eight, took on the gruelling West Highland Way challenge to that cared for Barbara Ednie – her granny, and best friend.
Barbara sadly passed away in November last year age 67, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.
Immediately Grace decided to raise funds for the Cornhill Macmillan Centre at Perth Royal Infirmary, where staff cared for Barbara in her final days and have since taken Grace through their bereavement service.
Alongside her dad Craig, 31, Grace – a challenge for many adults – raising over £1,200 for Macmillan.
Starting the walk on Monday, the pair battled strong winds on Conic Hill, clamboured over boulders along Loch Lomond shores and waded through mud up to their ankles on barren moors.
Father and daughter safely reached the finish line yesterday afternoon.
It is believed Grace could be the youngest to ever complete the route, after a nine-year-old completed the challenge in 2014.
Proud dad Craig revealed how Grace's inspiring story reached walkers all along the arduous route, who recognised her and cheered her along.
Not one for the limelight, the shy youngster was brought out of her shell by the kind words of strangers.
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Craig, who owns his own construction company, said: "I am very proud of her - lots of people were chatting to her along the way and it spurred her on.
"She had lots of people following her and by the time we got to the end they all knew about her.
"People at restaurants and pubs would come up to us asking if it was Grace - and she actually got talking to people.
"It has definitely helped her come out of her shell, and showed her if she puts her mind to something - no matter how hard it is - you can get it done."
Barbara's death has been a painful struggle for Grace, who rarely went a day without seeing her granny, be it to go shopping or just to hear her stories.
The eight-year-old would even do housework when Barbara’s arthritis was at its worst.
But brave Grace has soldiered on in support of her mum Allana, 32 – who is expecting her third baby.
Allana, who works as a dental surgery manager, dropped off fresh clothes and transported rucksacks for the intrepid pair, and was waiting in Fort William to watch her oldest daughter cross the West Highland Way finish line.
She said: "I knew they would make it - but I understand now why they made finish line a bench.
"Grace got quite emotional at the very end because for so long she was building up to this - Macmillan have helped her a lot too with their bereavement service.
"It's a healing process for her, knowing she's doing something her granny would have approved of.
"I think it's good at that age to be able to start a challenge and see it through - it's a good life view to have.
"She spent the last mile thinking 'what do I do now' and it just meant so much to her - she definitely wants to do more."
She did every single step by herself
An active eight-year-old, Grace loves hiking, cycling, majorette and gymnastics, and has previously taken Munros in her stride with ease.
But the five-day trek was an entirely new challenge for her and dad Craig.
Craig said: "Grace struggled with being sore on the first couple of miles and last couple of miles each day, especially the long days.
"But in between she absolutely soldiered on - she did every single step by herself.
"Finishing it was a great feeling - but the best part was spending time with Grace.
"With my work I don't get much chance to spend time just me and her, but we're definitely going to do more from now on."
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