A remarkable team of 32 nurses and AHPs from across NHS Forth Valley completed the 21-mile Mighty Stride Kiltwalk in Edinburgh, raising over £7,500 for Sepsis Research FEAT in memory of their much-loved colleague Claire McCormack.
The group – representing the interim National Treatment Centre team, B12, A31, B32, Orthopaedics and Endoscopy – originally signed up in May 2025 as part of a team-building event, choosing Sepsis Research FEAT as their charity due to the devastating impact of sepsis they witness in their day-to-day work.
Since then, their purpose took on a far deeper meaning. The team was deeply saddened by the sudden loss of their dear friend and colleague Claire McCormack, who passed away after a short battle with sepsis. Claire was an exceptional nurse with a larger-than-life personality, loved by her family, friends, colleagues, students, patients and their families. Her kindness, warmth and compassion touched the lives of so many, leaving a lasting impression on everyone she met.
Walking the Kiltwalk became not only a chance to raise vital funds for sepsis research but also a powerful tribute to Claire’s life and legacy.
The day itself was filled with emotion and solidarity. Claire’s mum waved the team off from Forth Valley Royal Hospital, while her husband and daughter travelled to Edinburgh to see them at the start line. Their support, along with the encouragement of colleagues across the organisation, made the challenge even more meaningful.
The team shared: “Claire was the most amazing nurse, and she made everyone feel seen and cared for. This walk was our way of honouring her memory and helping to support research that could save lives in the future. We’re so grateful to everyone who donated and supported us.”
Their incredible fundraising total of more than £7,500 will help Sepsis Research FEAT continue vital work to improve diagnosis, treatment and outcomes for people affected by sepsis.
