Ayrshire Post

Gran wears pig outfit to coin it in for charity

Ex- nursing assistant trots the lot for Maggie’s

- PAUL BEHAN

A former nursing assistant at Ai l s a Hospital is putting her best foot forward as she raises funds for Maggie’s Centres – dressed as a pig.

Mum of two Elaine Wilson’s madcap fundraiser involves running 50 miles throughout this month – with an inflatable pig costume on – to keep her supporters smiling.

The former Belmont Academy pupil’s scheme has already captured the imaginatio­n of family and friends and won her a host of new admirers on social media.

And she’s close to reaching her £ 400 target to raise funds for Maggie’s Centres, which are a network of drop- in centres aimed at helping anyone affected by cancer.

Big hearted Elaine, 56, who owns a smallholdi­ng near Patna, told The Post: “I’ve just got a little over 36 miles to run now but I’m doing it in a big, pink inflatable pig suit.

“Why? Just for the hell of it! “I’ve been running up and down my smallholdi­ng and it’s been keeping me entertaine­d.

“I’m not far off my target but the support from the local community has been great.”

Throughout lockdown last year animal lover Elaine gained a big following on Facebook thanks to her comedy videos, jokes and other fun stuff.

And she’s determined to keep the community smiling during these desperate days of Lockdown 2021.

She said: “With people being stuck at home, it’s nice to bring some laughter to them.

“I do one joke or video a day and I’m on TikTok now too. I’ve got people in Spain, Australia and America following me now.

“I like taking the mickey out of myself and it’s just a bit of fun.

“A good sense of humour is important, especially these days.”

In the past, gran of three Elaine has raised funds for charitable organisati­ons such as Cancer Research UK but she was inspired by the Maggie’s story on social media.

She said: “I saw their appeal and they talked about people being diagnosed with cancer and having nowhere to go to get advice.

“That’s something I feel we are lacking, so that’s why I wanted to raise some money for them.”

Elaine comes from a sporty

background, as daughter Erin is a former Scottish JiuJitsu Champion and husband Ian, 56, takes on Iron Man

challenges, as does son Murray.

Elaine said: “The family are giving my great support as they know what I’m like. When

they see some of my Facebook videos they are like ‘ Oh, no. Here she goes again.’ But they’re all used to me now! They really

support me.” To help boost the coffers check out her Facebook page at ‘ Laine Margaret Andson W- son’

 ??  ?? Good fun This little piggy is putting her best foot forward for Maggie’s
Good fun This little piggy is putting her best foot forward for Maggie’s
 ??  ?? Big hearted
Animal Lover Elaine Wilson in her pink inflatable pig costume
Big hearted Animal Lover Elaine Wilson in her pink inflatable pig costume
 ??  ?? Keeping spirits up
Elaine inspired by Maggie’s stories
Keeping spirits up Elaine inspired by Maggie’s stories

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