A Perthshire woman is bound to get the royal seal of approval as she raises funds for the NHS.
Hazel MacFadyen is planning on walking around the village of Stanley every day until the middle of June dressed up as the Queen.
She headed out in costume for the first time on Tuesday – the Queen’s birthday – and will continue until the Queen’s official birthday on Saturday, June 14.
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Hazel, who turns 70 next month, wants to thank the NHS heroes who are working so hard through the coronavirus crisis.
And she also wanted to thank them for the care she and her family have received from the health service over the years.
Hazel explained: “The NHS saw me through breast cancer and looked after my son, who died at 18 after a bad accident, for 11 days before he died.
“My mum had cancer and my dad had dementia, so I’ve always wanted to give something back.
“But this isn’t about me, this is about the staff on the front line working so hard right now.
“I was going to have a joint 70th birthday party for charity, but obviously that has been cancelled.
“Every time I turn on the TV right now I get so emotional for the nurses and care workers.
“I thought this would be a good way to mark the Queen’s birthday and raise money for the NHS.”
Hazel was persuaded to do the challenge by her friend Morag Middleton.
Each walk takes her around 45 to 50 minutes, so she still has quite a bit of walking to do before June 14.
Hazel says it has given her a focus and the support from the community has encouraged her.
“It gives me a purpose,” she explains. “It gets me outside and on my feet.
“It’s something to look forward to every day and hopefully it will cheer people up a bit.
"Everyone is rooting for me and wishing me good luck, which has been great.”
Morag has set up a Go Fund Me page to help Hazel raise money.
Hazel admits she has been inspired by Captain Tom Moore, the 99-year-old World War II veteran who has raised over £25 million for the NHS by doing laps of his garden.
She said: “I was just talking to my neighbour about him, and I take my hat off to that man.
“What a challenge to take on at that age. He seems like a lovely man.”
To help support Hazel raise money for the NHS, go to www.gofundme.com/f/queen-does-her-daily-walk
