A pleasant walk in the wilderness in Millport nearly ended in tragedy for Lily Henderson last year after she suffered a mini-stroke,

However, the 70 year old says she is alive today thanks to the Scottish Charity Air Ambulance who helped save her life, and has carried out a massive fundraising drive for the charity.

Last November whilst out walking with friends on the Isle of Cumbrae, Lily took a tumble, but her friends quickly realised something was wrong.

They managed to half carry her to the local chemist who took one look and arranged a taxi to take her to the local doctor.

The doctor took her blood pressure which was dangerously high. and diagnosed that she needed to go to hospital straight away.

It was arranged for Lily to be airlifted to Crosshouse Hospital in Kilmarnock by air ambulance.

Daughter Sharon Haston said: "The pilot and paramedic were brilliant with mum, keeping her stable whilst providing reassurance. At hospital they diagnosed that Mum had had a TIA (mini stroke). Time was of the essence so it was extremely important that the air ambulance had been able to get Mum to hospital so quickly.

"Mum was extremely grateful and always said that as soon as she felt well enough she would raise funds to give something back to them."

Lily decided to do a an 8km sponsored walk in the Helix area, joined and supported by friends and family on 8 October. She also held a raffle and coffee afternoon and has raised £3500 which she has now presented to Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance.

She was staying at a friend, Minia's holiday cottage in Millport when she fell ill and Minia has received lots of enquiries as to how Lily is from local people as many knew someone had been taken away off the island by air ambulance.

Lily, who lives in Polmont, said: " I could have died that day if it wasn't for the Scottish Charity Air Ambulance. I had never been ill in my life, and consider myself a healthy person but it was high blood pressure - they call it the silent killer. As soon as I was feeling better, I wanted to raise money for the charity, and I am so grateful for all their help."

Chief executive of Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance David Craig praised Lily for her fundraising efforts.

He said: “We’re delighted to hear Lily has recovered well and wish the whole group the best for their walk. And we’ll be delighted to welcome her to our base at Perth Airport in the near future.

“We rely totally on public donations and it is selfless fundraising activities such as this which help to keep us flying every day of the year.”