THREE generations of one Inverness family are donning decorated bras to take part in a hike across the city in memory of a loved one.
For Janie McRobert (41), her mother Angela Knapp (60) and her daughter Natalie McRobert (15) have all signed up for the Bra Nicht Walk in a tribute to Janie's mother-in-law, who died in April last year after she lost her long battle with cancer.
The Bra Nicht Walk, on June 4, is an annual event which aims to raise thousands of pounds for cancer care in the Highlands.
Janie, of Lochardil in Inverness, explained her mum-in-law, Irene McRobert, who was 78 when she died, was first diagnosed 13 years ago.
She said: "When she was first diagnosed with cancer, it was breast cancer. She had a mastectomy back then and thankfully she went into remission after that."
However, four years ago, Irene's cancer returned.
Janie said: "Unfortunately, when Irene's cancer came back it was in her spine. She fought it, but it spread through her body and last April she passed away. That's why walking in Irene's memory is so important to us."
Janie explained the Bra Nicht Walk is a real "family affair" and she feels it's a fitting tribute to her mother-in-law for the three generations of girls to take part.
She said: "I have taken part in the Bra Nicht Walks ever since it was set up four years ago. Obviously raising money and awareness for cancer treatments in the Highlands is something our family hold close to our hearts. I would say over the last few years we've raised a good few hundred pounds for the cause. We always try and raise as much as is possible."
And Janie explained Irene was battling the disease when she first took part in the walk.
She said: "Irene was a strong character but I think she was pleased we were taking part in the walk and I'm sure she would be chuffed to think that we are all doing it again in her memory. I've done the walk every year, but this is Natalie's first time, so I'm really looking forward to the three of us doing it together."
The fact that all the money raised from the Bra Nicht Walk goes towards cancer care in the Highlands is another reason Janie and her family chose to take part in this charity event.
She said: "I just think it's such a brilliant cause and the fact that the money stays in the area makes this charity fund-raiser even more important. Obviously as a family we watched Irene go through many treatments, so to think that this money raised can help improve the lives of people with cancer makes the experience all the more poignant."
* Women aged 12 or over can enter the Bra Nicht Walk online at www.branichtwalk.co.uk. Entry forms are also available at the Eastgate Centre and Inverness Leisure Centre.
