Wednesday September 23rd 2026
Friends and Thistle Practitioners after completing Kenny's Final Fitness Challenge
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Friends have completed Kenny’s Final Fitness Challenge, in memory of the much-loved 85-year-old Roslin man after he passed away before achieving his goal of completing 2,000 pulleys in a single gym session.
As a familiar face at Thistle Foundation’s Centre of Wellbeing in Craigmillar, Kenny was always happiest spending time with friends, joking, singing Elvis songs, sharing his passion for music from the 1950s and 1960s, and pushing himself in the gym.
Having previously achieved 1,000 pulleys in the Centre of Wellbeing gym, Kenny set himself a new goal of reaching 2,000 pulleys on his 85th birthday in celebration of his progress.
Determined that his goal would not be left unfinished, friends Margaret, Kirsty, and Mark came together to complete the challenge in tribute to their friend.
Surrounded by their supporters and Kenny’s wife, they each contributed 500 pulleys to the challenge, whilst sharing stories, making jokes, and playing the music Kenny always loved.
Kenny’s friend, Margaret Hendry, who volunteers with Thistle Foundation and supported Kenny during his gym sessions in the Centre of Wellbeing said, “Kenny was just a lovely guy. He knew everything about music, and I remember him most for his kindness and positivity. He was the same guy every week in the gym, and we’ll all miss having someone who was so easy to be around and a pleasure to spend time with. We completed the challenge to show how much Kenny meant to our community.”
Iain Martin, a Health and Wellbeing Practitioner that works in the gym said, “Kenny loved coming along to the gym, each week bringing great vibes, he loved some banter, a song, a dance and a good workout with his friends.”
What began as a Kenny’s personal fitness goal became a celebration of friendship, community and the support that helped him live well. In honour of Kenny, the group chose to raise money for Thistle Foundation so that more people living with long-term health conditions can build community and connection and access the support that meant so much to Kenny.
Donations can be made at www.thistle.org.uk/donate.
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