Jamie’s marathon run in memory of mum
Tribute to Karlene who died five weeks after diagnosis
A keen runner took part in a charity marathon in honour of his late mother.
Jamie Armour, from Ayr, raised vital funds for The Brain Tumour Charitya after running 26 miles in and around Ayr on Sunday on what would have been his mum’s 61st birthday.
Jamie’s mum, Karlene Mackie, was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour in August 2011, after showing signs of forgetfulness, being off balance and sleeping more than normal.
She died only five weeks later.
Jamie, 37, said: “She was complaining of back pains and was getting scans just on that, up until my step dad asked the back doctor about some of the symptoms mum had been showing.
“He put him in touch with a neurologist who arranged for a new scan and we got a call from him the next day asking to take her to the Southern General hospital in Glasgow straight away.
“She then had an operation which was to relieve what turned out to be a lot of fluid on her brain and also had a biopsy which revealed the devastating news that she had a grade 4 malignant brain tumour.
“We could have got treatment but were advised that this would maybe add only a few days on to her life and it was decided that this was not worth the pain and discomfort to mum who was feeling awful anyway.
“We were lucky enough to get her in to the Ayrshire Hospice a couple of weeks later around September 1 in 2011, where she was well looked after and passed away here on the September 16 just 5 weeks after diagnosis.”
A decade on after the family lost Karlene, Jamie took on his marathon challenge to raise funds and awareness during Brain Tumour Awareness Month of Marchs.
And his finishing line was all the more poignant as this is where Karlene’s ashes are scattered near Greenan Shore.
Jamie said: “Running a marathon is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time but just never got round to or always found an excuse not to.
“All my training was in and around Ayr, Prestwick and Troon, which is where the marathon route took me; setting off from my home in Belmont and going through Ayr and Prestwick, up as far as Barassie Golf Course and pretty much the coastal route down to Greenan shore.
“All the support I have and may yet receive, whether being through sponsorship or encouragement, is hugely appreciated and I can’t thank everyone enough for this.
“As a family, we have witnessed first-hand how devastating this disease can be and hope this can be a step towards helping others avoid it.”
Katie Sharkey, senior community fundraiser at The Brain Tumour Charity, said: “We are extremely grateful for all the efforts made by Jamie this Brain Tumour Awareness Month. We know a marathon is such a big commitment and running one with no big crowds to cheer you on is mental challenge as well as a physical one.”
Jamie has already raised over £2800 of his £1600 target. To donate, visit www.justgiving. com/fundraising/jamiearmour1
As a family, we have witnessed first-hand how devastating this disease can be