Mum in charity run tribute
A brave mum is gearing up for a gruelling charity race in memory of her daughter who died in a tragic road accident.
Cheryl Johnstone, 32, is taking on the 15k Rough Runner race on Saturday, a year after her five-yearold girl Niree was killed in a horror crash in Paisley.
She will be joined by colleagues from Abbey Dental Care who have rallied to support her since losing her baby girl.
They have already raised a magnificent £690 for road safety charity Brake as they prepare for the obstacle course and race in Edinburgh.
Practice owner Hazel Pahnke spotted the Rough Runner race advertised online and thought it was ideal way to raise money for a good cause and support their workmate Cheryl and her family.
Kàren Goldie, practice manager and Cheryl’s friend, said: “Our charity Brake was chosen because last year one of our dental nurses was faced with an unthinkable tragedy, when her darling five-yearold daughter Niree was killed in a road traffic accident.
“Every mother’s worst nightmare had just become reality for Cheryl. With so much love and support Cheryl is back at work and coping incredibly well.
“Niree’s wee face was always a welcome treat to us all at work, her cheeky face peering through the glass as she waited for us to open the door or as she propped herself at the reception stealing stickers or pretending to make appointments. Niree is missed by us all.”
After Niree died in July last year at the junction of Gleniffer Road and Sergeantlaw Road, Cheryl successfully campaigned to have the speed limit dramatically reduced.
Renfrewshire Council installed new signs showing a 30mph zone – reduced from 60mph– at the killer stretch of Gleniffer Road.
Now she wants to help charity Brake to make other roads across the country safer.
Cheryl, who will be supported by partner Ross and daughter Nadine on the day, said: “We are running to raise money for Brake to help them make other roads safer. All the staff at Abbey Dental Care have been so supportive and we are all doing this together in memory of Niree.”
“I can’t thank them enough for their support. We have been training hard and we even got a chin-up bar in the practice to help us.”
If you want to donate, visit: www. justgiving.com/fundraising/karengoldie1