Rowan runs Achnamara for cancer research
‘How can raising money make people better?’
It was while watching a television advert for Race for Life 2020 that nine-year-old Rowan Cockburn asked this astute question.
After mum Stella explained, Rowan decided to take part and run her own Achnamara Very 2020 Race For Life on Saturday September 26 to raise funds and awareness for cancer research.
So, after signing up and ordering the t-shirt, an email to the Achnamara village hall email list and to family and other friends resulted in generous donations amounting to £560 being received.
Lochgilphead Primary School P5 pupil Rowan said: ‘I thought it would be more fun if people took part themselves as well as donating, either on my run from Achnamara to Ashfield and back, which is 5km, or their own run, but starting at their own time because of Covid.
‘So on Saturday morning, friends came and cheered me at the start and then ran themselves. I was really excited and nervous as lots of neighbours stood and cheered me as I ran past then, further on the run, a friend stood at their gate and played cow bells. At the half way mark, Janet and Jackie put up bunting and took photographs.
‘When I finished the run my friends, Charlotte, Eleanor, Emily and Jessica from Ardrishaig and Lochgilphead, were waiting to run with their family. It was nice they came to take part as well. Other friends who donated ran at other times, as well as on Gigha and in their villages.
‘Thank you everyone for making this lots of fun and for all the money you raised.’
After a year where vital cancer trials have been delayed, money raised by the Race for Life is more important than ever.
Like Rowan, you can support the work of Cancer Research UK by donating online via the charity’s website or by calling 0300 123 0770.