AFTER suffering a stroke, Davie Anderson wasn't going to let a deluge of rain stop him from taking part in the Edinburgh Kiltwalk.

The Cardenden man powered up his wheelchair and, together with his wife Alana, pounded the pavements of the capital to raise money for charity.

Davie has been making steady progress in his recovery and, while they have taken on many challenges for good causes, this was his first sponsored since the stroke two years ago.

The couple, of Whitehall Avenue, were part of the 10-strong Cardenden Ramblers group that raised almost £1,500 for their chosen charity, Fife Headway.

Alana told the Times: "It was another great kiltwalk for our group of walkers.

"This year my husband Davie wanted to be part of the action so, with his powered wheelchair, he and I tackled the Wee Wander which was five miles from Gypsy Brae to Murrayfield Stadium.

"The heavens dutifully opened at midday and lashed us for the first mile or so but you just have to embrace the rain and enjoy the experience!

"We completed our walk in three and a half hours which I think was pretty good considering the challenge for Davie in navigating the pavements, kerbs and roads along the route."

She added: "The main group started at 9.30am from Holyrood as they were doing the Mighty Stride, which was 24 miles.

"Again they were all battered by rain at various points during the day, but a bit of rain would never deter any of us from completing our walks.

"Wullie Anderson (Davie's cousin) was first over the line at 4.30pm which was a great time to achieve, the rest of the group were not far behind and as you can see from our team photo everyone looks very proud."

The couple have been raising money for a variety of causes for more than five years, collecting in excess of £15,000 in that time.

Alana lost her daughter, Hayley, who was just 20 when she died from the effects of an epileptic attack and Epilepsy Scotland has benefitted from their charitable activities.

Money raised by the ramblers at this year's kiltwalk will go to Fife Headway, which provides support, activities and outings to people who have been affected by brain injury.

It can affect people in different ways, including physical, cognitive and emotional problems, and each person has their own pace and degree of recovery, which is often unpredictable.

A lot of people suffer loneliness and isolation after a brain injury and are extremely vulnerable.

Alana said: "We are all really pleased with how much we have raised for Fife Headway and we know it will help their current and new members in their recovery.

"Next year we are considering doing all four kiltwalks in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh which would be a great challenge and a chance to raise a lot of money for whatever charity we choose."

Donna Hodge, chair of Fife Headway, said: "We continue to lobby for better support and resources to be made available to people affected by brain injury, and work to raise awareness of brain injury and the devastating effects it can have.

"We are hoping to open an office soon which will be more central and accessible to our members in Fife, and also allow us to increase the support we offer.

"The money the Cardenden Ramblers will be donating to us is bringing that a step nearer to happening.

"As a charity we are dependent upon donations and fundraising. We are most grateful to those who have given donations to Alana and Davie and the rest of the walkers.

"We can’t thank them enough for choosing Fife Headway this year as their chosen charity."