Yahoo News Kilmarnock dad stunned after bagging £30,000 towards new car after tragic loss
A Kilmarnock man was left stunned after being told he'd won a staggering £30,000 to put towards his dream car at Arnold Clark.
Chris Morton, 51, from Kilmarnock, was invited to a fake premiere of The Longest Walk, a film imagined up in his honour, at Everyman Cinema in Princes’ Square, Glasgow.
Instead, he was surprised by a video of his proud parents revealing that he had won £30,000 to spend on his dream car from Kiltwalk’s Headline Sponsor, Arnold Clark.
Chris won the jackpot after taking part in the April Glasgow Kiltwalk in memory of his wife, who lost her battle with cancer last year.
Chris was entered into the prize draw automatically after taking part and fundraising in this year’s charity event, where he walked the 14-mile Big Stroll with sons Aaron, 27, and Blair, 12, and raised over £1,000 for Ayrshire Cancer Support, a charity close to the family’s hearts.
The three formed Team Jen’s Purple Heart Walkers in loving memory of Chris’ wife, Blair’s mum and Aaron’s step-mum, who passed away from the disease in 2023.
Jen had previously walked the Kiltwalk for a cancer charity in support of a colleague, but mere months after taking part, she sadly began her own cancer journey.
Chris said: “My wife walked the Kiltwalk for a breast cancer charity in 2022, but three months later, she was also diagnosed with cancer. Jen passed away in August 2023.
“During her battle with cancer, Ayrshire Cancer Support helped her, myself and my sons, and continues to help my youngest son cope with the loss of his mother. Jen wanted us to continue with the Kiltwalk, and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved in her memory.”
Chris’ boss at Howdens in Kilmarnock helped the Kiltwalk and Arnold Clark team arrange the surprise visit to the cinema, which he nearly did not attend after being unable to find information about the fake film online.
Chris continued: “I couldn’t believe it when I saw my mum and dad on the big screen. My youngest says we should put the money towards a two-seater convertible, but I’m just looking forward to using the car to make memories with my boys.”
Eddie Hawthorne, chief executive and group managing director, Arnold Clark, said: “Congratulations to Chris, our Kiltwalk Car Reward winner, who has won £30,000 towards his dream car. Chris walked the Glasgow Kiltwalk earlier this year in support of Ayrshire Cancer Support, so we were delighted to surprise him with this fantastic reward in return for his efforts.
“As headline sponsor of the Kiltwalk, it’s great to see so many walkers – including our employees – get together to raise money for charity and make a difference to communities across Scotland. This year alone, over 70 of our employees have taken part, raising an amazing £72,500 for charities close to their hearts.
“Of course, it’s also a great opportunity for us to give back to people like Chris who work hard to improve the lives of others. With events in Dundee and Edinburgh still to come, we look forward to surprising another Kiltwalk Car Reward winner later in the year.”
Nicola George at Ayrshire Cancer Support, said: “From our children and young person’s team to our fundraising team, we couldn’t be more thrilled and think that Chris is such a deserving winner of this amazing prize from Arnold Clark. We are so grateful for the funds Chris and his boys, Blair and Aaron, raised for Ayrshire Cancer Support at Glasgow Kiltwalk this year.
“The money they raised will make a huge difference to children, young people and adults affected by cancer across Ayrshire and will help provide a wide range of vital support cancer support services including hospital transport, counselling, support groups and much more. Thank you, Chris and congratulations.”
Chris is the first of two Kiltwalkers to receive £30,000 towards their dream car from Arnold Clark.
The second winner will be announced later in the year. All Kiltwalkers across the four events – Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh —are automatically entered into the prize draw just by registering and fundraising.
To see a video of Chris being told he had won the Kiltwalk Car Surprise, visit here.
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