A Scots mum-of-seven who watched as her parents were tragically struck down by dementia during lockdown before her more passed away, has told how she found comfort in streaming hit Outlander.
Liz Whitaker, 44, made heartbreaking trips from her home in Dunfermline, Fife to her mum Betty, 80, and dad Adam, 90, in Edinburgh when allowed during the pandemic, while juggling her job at a shop and commitments to her kids who range from five to 25.
Betty was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in March and died earlier this month, leaving the family devastated.
Liz and husband of 25 years Vaughn will be renewing their vows in July- and are hoping their Outlander heroes can wish them a happy anniversary on the big day.
The romantic story of love in the time of the Jacobites starring Scots star Sam Heughan has proved a global hit and showcases some of Scotland's most stunning scenery.
Liz told the Record of how the programme proved an escape during her hellish year.
She said: "It has been really helping me.
"With lockdown and everyone staying inside, as well as both my mum and dad being diagnosed with dementia and my mum dying within six weeks of her cancer diagnosis, watching Outlander has really helped take my mind off things.
"It is a great love story and we are really getting into the history of it all. We couldn't go about and see these places last year so it is almost a way of seeing them yourself watching them on the show.
Liz and Vaughn, 55, travel most days to the capital to see Adam,
She said: "He has been left absolutely devastated, they were married for 46 years so it is like losing a part of him.
"He can't accept it and says he wants to join her.
"The dementia is really hard. Watching people you love change so much, it is really tough for all of us.
"Coping with all the kids has obviously been hard at times too.
"Vaughn is a carer so had managed to go see them during the lockdown.
With restrictions finally easing and the coronavirus vaccination programme moving ahead, Liz and Vaugh have decided to renew their vows on July 25 in Queensferry.
And the Outlander superfans are hoping that the stars might give them a special anniversary message.
She said: "We wanted all the kids to have a chance to celebrate something, only my oldest Callum was about when we first got married and he was six months old so doesn't remember it.
"There is six girls and only one boy so him and my husband will be in kilts while we have been busy looking out dresses.
"I know it's a maybe a bit difficult but it would be great to have some sort of message.
My husband Vaughn has been amazing and so supportive. It doesn’t seem like we have been married this long we still make each other laugh and he is my soulmate
"I wanted to try and maybe even get a message from the main characters from Outlander to wish us happy anniversary."
LeftBank pictures, one of the production companies behind Outlander, has been contacted.
