A CHARITY walk in memory of “a very good friend” has raised more than £4,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The event saw 20 people set off from Cockenzie Harbour on Sunday at about 9am and make their way to Dirleton.

The walk was in memory of Elaine ‘Lal’ Muir, who passed away at the beginning of March.

Pat Lemmon was among those taking part in the 11.5-mile walk, which finished at Dirleton Castle.

She said: “It was really emotional at the end, mainly because her son, Brad, who did the walk, presented everyone with prizes.

“It was difficult to speak.

“It was very emotional at the end and a feeling of happiness but also in memory.

“The other thing was that there were people taking part who themselves had been touched by cancer.

“They were doing it for family members or for themselves.”

Ahead of the walk, Mrs Lemmon said she was “absolutely devastated” when Elaine died at the age of 74.

Mrs Lemmon, who co-founded the Lammermuir Larder and is vice-chairwoman of Haddington and District Community Council, described Elaine as “one of those people who left a mark on you”.

She said: “She was vivacious, fantastic in so many ways and full of fun, but naughty at the same time.

“She was a perfect complement for me and I miss her every day.

“She touched everybody’s life that she came into contact with.”

Elaine was director of Scot of Haddington, on the town’s Hospital Road, alongside her husband Alan.

The couple lived in Longniddry and have two children, Craig and Brad, as well as granddaughter Marissa.

Originally, it was hoped that the walk would raise about £2,000.

However, Mrs Lemmon was pleased to say that the amount collected had already surpassed £4,000 and was still rising.

Walkers wore Macmillan t-shirts bought by Mikes Bikes and were presented with certificates by Graham Samuel. Brad also bought everyone involved in the walk a drink at The Castle Inn, Dirleton

Those taking part also received a glass of Prosecco from Paul Kinnoch at the end of the walk and were presented with a medal.

Mrs Lemmon, who met Elaine through Zumba keep fit classes, told the Courier that discussions were under way about making the walk a regular occurrence.

She said: “We are hoping to make it an annual event, build on it and have a much larger east coast walk.

“I don’t know about more miles but basically double the number of people taking part and trying to double the amount of money to make it an annual event in memory of a very special lady.”