Run will be tough, but it’s for gran’s caring hospice
A MAN who says he “can’t do 10 minutes on the treadmill” has pledged to run more than 13 miles for a cause that is close to his heart.
Joseph McAllister, 25, wants to give something back to the hospice which gave him “peace of mind” about his gran, Anne Watson, in her final days.
The 67-year-old was transferred to St Andrew’s hospice in Airdrie after being diagnosed with oesophageal cancer.
He said: “Her illness came as a great shock to me as I had thought she was in hospital for a mild illness.
“Instead, I was told that she had 24 hours to live because of the tumour in her throat.”
Joseph’s grandmother made it through the following 24 hours, and was moved to St Andrew’s Hospice where she spent the next two months, before passing away.
He said: “St. Andrew’s Hospice were a great support to myself and my family.
“The homely surroundings and fantastic professionalism of all the staff made me feel a bit more at ease that my gran was in a peaceful environment.
“I think my gran appreciated it as well because she seemed more like her cheerful self than when she was in hospital.”
The 25-year-old, from Airdrie, who works for Tesco Bank, is running the Great Scottish Run half marathon in October to raise money for the hospice.
He will join thousands of runners taking part in a weekend of events on September 30 and October 1 including a 19k and Super Saturday family run.
He said: “I have always wanted to raise money for St Andrew’s Hospice as it has helped so many families like mine over the years.
“My mother is a nurse and has actually been working for the hospice since 2014. I felt like it was time I gave something back.”
“I have always been an active person as I go to the gym regularly and attend a Tae Kwon Do class.
“However, running this distance is going to be difficult for me as I struggle to run even 10 minutes on the treadmill at the moment. It’s not something I think is going be easy in any way, but I will push myself to get over that finish line.”
St Andrew’s Hospice provides free care for adults with life-limiting conditions in Lanarkshire.
sponsor Joseph go to www. justgiving.com/fundraising/ joe-mcallister1
enter the Great Scottish Run events go to www.greatscottishrun.com/