Hero runner says mascot Harvey is on his last lap
AS entries pour in for the final heat of this year’s Evening Times Community Champions awards, one local hero is preparing to bow out in style.
Harvey the hospice mascot – aka sports physiotherapist Frank Gilroy – is “retiring”, with one last big push to beat a world record.
Frank, 52, from Giffnock, won the Individual Award in our south heat of Community Champions in June. The last heat of 2016, covering the north-west of the city, is on October 5.
In partnership with Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Community Planning Partnership, Glasgow Housing Association, Scottish Fire and Rescue and Police Scotland, we are looking for entries across eight categories before the closing date of August 31.
Frank started fundraising for the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice four years ago, shortly after the death of his wife Kathleen, who had cancer.
The idea was to raise £70,000 to fund two treatment rooms for patients but the money kept on coming, so Frank set a new target. He set up a fitness fundraising team of 10 runners, called CyRun, and pledged to raise £125,000 for the hospice. The total has already passed the £115,000 mark.
Frank, a Bellahouston Harrier, has run as Harvey for four years, clocking up more than 100 miles and breaking world records along the way.
At this year’s London Marathon he reclaimed the Guinness World Record for the fastest time as a charity mascot. Now he wants to claim one last title on Harvey’s home turf.
“I am hoping as many people as possible will join me in the half marathon at the Great Scottish Run in Glasgow on October 2,” says Frank.
“I want to claim the title for the fastest mascot in a half marathon and boost funds for the hospice’s Brick by Brick Appeal, which is raising money to build a new hospice at Bellahouston Park.”
Frank adds: “This will be my last outing as Harvey, it’s time for him to retire. The costume is on its last legs.
“He’s getting very fragile and needs a lot of TLC. I think it’s particularly apt that he bows out in Glasgow on home ground.”
Harvey might be retiring but Frank has no intention of joining his heart-shaped alter-ego just yet.
“I love doing challenges and running and wanted to do something for a Glasgow charity that didn’t discriminate and was there for everyone,” explains Frank. “We have had a lot of fun over the years.”
Fellow Team Cy-run member Stuart Macdonald will run alongside Harvey to film the challenge for the Guinness World Record.
Evening Times editor Graham Shields said: “Frank was a worthy winner in our Community Champions south heat and we know there are many more individuals like him throughout the city.
“We want to hear from the people of the north-west about ‘your Frank’ – it could be a neighbour, the local police officer, a teacher or an inspirational community group. Our awards, in association with our generous partners, give us an opportunity to pay tribute to the men, women and children making a difference.”
To nominate, visit www. eveningtimesevents.com, call Cheryl Risk on 0141 302 7410 or email cheryl.risk@heraldand times.co.uk