Most 18 year olds that book a trip to the world-famous Munich Beer Festival would spend the next six months in a permanent state of excitement (and perhaps trepidation). But not Ryan McWilliams. Ryan is attending the Munich Beer Festival this September with a group of friends from the University of the West of Scotland, but has set himself a fundraising challenge in the run up. For the next 262 days until the Munich Beer Festival, Ryan intends to forego his razor and visits to the hairdressers and swap his clean-cut image for that of the archetypal Scotsman – real life ‘See you Jimmy’ – all in aid of Kilbryde Hospice. And Ryan, is looking forward to the fundraising challenge every bit as much as the festival itself.  

Ryan explained, “I’m really looking forward to the next seven months. I’ve always wanted to undertake a personal challenge in aid of charity; and the fact that Kilbryde Hospice will start building the new hospice this year seemed too good an opportunity to miss. I know the hospice provides great support for many families in the area and this will only get stronger with the new purpose-built hospice.”  

Ryan is acutely aware of the range of services and level of support at Kilbryde Hospice’s day hospice. “My gran volunteers at Kilbryde Hospice’s day hospice where she is involved in some of the hair loss support classes. The reality of losing your hair during cancer treatment is a huge concern for many people and I think it’s fantastic that these support groups are out there. If growing my hair for the next seven months can highlight these vital services offered by Kilbryde Hospice then that’s mission accomplished.”  

Stuart Glen, Fundraising Manager with Kilbryde Hospice had nothing but praise for Ryan, and his somewhat unique fundraising feat. “It was a real pleasure to meet with Ryan and chat through his fundraising plans. For such a grounded young man to take on this commitment for the next seven months is such an undertaking.” Stuart added, “As you’re no doubt aware 2012 is a momentous year for Kilbryde Hospice, with the start of construction of South Lanarkshire’s first in-patient palliative care hospice a matter of months away. Throughout the build process, Kilbryde Hospice will continue to offer comprehensive advice and an extensive range of support services to patients with life limiting illnesses, not only cancer, but also conditions such as Parkinson’s and Motor Neuron Disease. The free support services include pain management advice, complementary therapies (such as aromatherapy, reflexology and reiki), a walking group, Tai Chi classes, craft classes and relaxation classes. None of these would be possible were it not for the generous donations from supporters. People like Ryan. People like you. “  

Ryan has already created www.justgiving.com page for supporters that wish to sponsor him. You can also keep up to date with his progress via a Facebook page and a Twitter account - @RyanMC993.