Runner fought back from sepsis to do 10k
A Hillhouse woman has issued a heartfelt thanks to her sponsors after completing the Hamilten 10k.
Laura Anne Stewart took part in the race in aid of the Pathfinder Dogs charity, which trains German Shepherds to become guide dogs for blind people.
Remarkably, Laura Anne was able to compete in the event despite spending two months in hospital earlier this year.
She also took part wearing a German Shepherd costume, and impressively completed the 10k in 51 minutes and 42 seconds.
Laura Anne said: “Earlier this year I spent eight weeks seriously ill in hospital with a chest infection, which turned to sepsis.
“When I saw the run advertised in the Hamilton Advertiser, I decided to challenge myself to get back to the level of fitness I reached before I became ill, and decided to take part and raise money for Pathfinders.
“At the time I never thought I would be able to run again, but with a lot of training, grit and determination, I managed.
“I also decided to run in costume, which I made myself, all handstitched – which took me a good few weeks! Of course it had to be a German Shepherd as I wanted to attract attention to Pathfinders.
“I love this charity with a passion and Anne Royle, who is it’s founder, and Eddie her partner who runs the coffee shop on Gateside Street, are an inspiration and the driving force behind it all.”
Laura Anne enjoyed the inaugural 10k, and raised more than £500 for the charity.
She added: “The atmosphere was electric and the organisation on the day was fantastic.
“I raised between £500 and £600 in sponsorship money, and I would like to thank all the local business, friends, neighbours and family members who sponsored me.”
Pathfinder Dogs was established after founder Anne, who is blind, realised there would be a long wait for a replacement German Shepherd guide dog after hers retired.
Having worked with dogs for more than three decades, Anne decided to set up the organisation, and the first Pathfinder Dogs were trained and qualified in 2010.
More information on the charity can be found at http://main. pathfinderdogs.org/