A POIGNANT memory walk was recently held for bereaved families in Dumbarton and the Vale.

Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) hosted the moving event last week near the banks of Loch Lomond to give families the chance to come together and share memories of their beloved children.

This is the first time the charity, which runs the Robin House hospice in Balloch, held an event of this kind, with almost 100 people taking part in the 3k walk.

Families were given a hand painted pebble to commemorate the day and at the end of the walk Amanda Reid, CHAS’s lead chaplain, planted a tree in the grounds of Loch Lomond Shores, leaving a lasting reminder of the event.

Talented teenager Jack Mullen, from Bonhill, also provided some entertainment for the families, performing a number of classic songs.

Amanda said: “The memory walk is a unique way to bring bereaved families together to remember their child or children.

“The event has allowed families to meet face to face, perhaps for the first time, with others who have shared a similar journey.

“The walk is also a chance for families to create new memories with friends and loved ones, with Loch Lomond and Ben Lomond providing a stunning backdrop.

“We’re delighted to have been able to hold this important event during CHAS’s 30th anniversary year and hope to hold further events in the future.

“We’d like to thank Loch Lomond Shores for all their support organising the event and for kindly donating the tree.”

The charity recently launched their Cost of Living Crisis Care Appeal, urging people to help dying children and their families severely impacted by the cost of living crisis.

Donations to CHAS’s Cost of Living Crisis Care Appeal can be made here.