A TILLICOULTRY-born woman has visited more than 100 museums across Scotland to raise funds for a dementia charity.

Karen Bernard embarked on her challenge last April, aiming to visit as many museums as she possibly could before her 80th birthday this month.

The museum hopper has launched a fundraiser to support Alzheimer Scotland in their fight against dementia, and she is looking to have one last push before she turns 80 on April 18.

Speaking to the Advertiser, Karen explained she was inspired to do this after seeing the impact of the disease on family members.

She said: “My main reason for embarking on this challenge was the loss of family members with this heartbreaking disease and, in particular, my late cousin who lived in Tillicoultry and was an inspiration to others during his life.

“I have seen the impact of dementia on people close to me and the cause is very close to my heart – which is why I’m determined to raise as much as I can for Alzheimer Scotland.

“My home is near Oban in Argyll necessitating a drive of several hours to begin the many journeys to reach the furthest geographical destinations, such as Orkney Islands, Dumfries, North Uist and Fraserburgh.

“To date, I have completed 101 visits including Stirling Castle, Wallace Monument and Dunblane Museum.”

Since setting off on her museum challenge last April, Karen has visited a vast array of sites across Scotland.

Among her stops so far include the RAF Museum of Flight in North Berwick, Scapa Flow Museum in Orkney, the Riverside Museum of Transport in Glasgow and the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses in Fraserburgh.

Karen explained that part of the enjoyment on her travels was meeting so many new people and not letting her age stand in the way.

She added: “I am compiling a journal of my visits, on what has become an interesting, challenging and memorable adventure in this my 80th year for a worthy cause.

“This challenge has also helped to raise awareness that age, given reasonable health, is not a barrier to doing something worthwhile to help fight dementia.

“In the process, I have met great folks, heard heart warming and sad stories, had tremendous encouragement, and been on the biggest learning curve of my now senior life.”

Karen’s fundraiser can be found at justgiving.com/page/karen-bernard-1689334616436.