Family take on Edinburgh Kiltwalk in young mum’s memory to raise funds for Bowel Cancer UK
The family of Abigail Millar, who died from bowel cancer at 41, will take on the Edinburgh Kiltwalk to raise money for Bowel Cancer UK
The family of a young mum who died from bowel cancer at only 41 years old, will take on the Edinburgh Kiltwalk this weekend in her memory.
Abigail Millar, originally from Corstorphine in Edinburgh, sadly died at home surrounded by her family on May 12 after being diagnosed with bowel cancer in December 2024.
Now, her husband Ross and members of Abigail's family will lace up their trainers for Sunday's Kiltwalk to raise money for Bowel Cancer UK.
The group, named Abigail’s Star Team, has already raised more than £3,000 for the charity with donations still coming in.
Abigail was diagnosed after initially visiting her GP with abdominal pain in October 2024, believing there could be an issue with her ovaries.
She gave a stool sample, was referred for a colonoscopy and was subsequently diagnosed with bowel cancer on December 6, 2024.
She underwent surgery to remove part of her colon in January 2025 and was initially hopeful that the doctors had caught the cancer early enough.
But following the surgery, the family received devastating news that Abigail had stage three cancer and would need chemotherapy.
Three months into treatment, doctors then discovered that the cancer had spread due to a genetic mutation and confirmed that it was aggressive and incurable.
In March 2026, Abigail and her family were told her cancer was terminal.
She spent her final weeks making memories with her husband and their two children Gregor and Katie, before passing away in May.
Now, Ross and the rest of the family are determined to honour her final wish of raising awareness of bowel cancer, particularly among younger people.
“Abigail and I spent 20 years of our lives together – she had such a zest for life,” Ross said.
“She was bright, funny, fiercely loyal, and devoted to her family. She was a beautiful soul and created so many great moments in life for all those fortunate enough to be around her.
“It was one of Abigail’s wishes to raise awareness of bowel cancer, particularly because cases are rising in younger people like her.
“Sadly, she can’t do that now, but I can, our children can, and our family can. If her story helps someone get an early diagnosis or saves a life, her message will have done what it needs to do.”
Abigail's cousin, Fiona Durkin said the family wanted to honour her memory through the fundraising effort.
“Abigail was a much-loved member of our family whose kindness, warmth, and spirit touched everyone who knew her,” Fiona said on the family's Just Giving page.
“Her loss has left a huge gap in our lives, and she is remembered every day with love and affection.
“By taking on this sponsored walk, we hope to honour Abigail's memory, raise awareness of bowel cancer, and support the vital work being done to improve research, treatment, and early diagnosis.”
You can support Abigail’s Star Team and donate to Bowel Cancer UK by visiting Fiona’s JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/abigailsstarteam