Accord ladies give back to employers by taking on 10k

Big- hearted hospice workers have traded in their uniforms for running gear as they prepare for a charity jog.

A group of staff from Accord will be tackling the Paisley 10k on Sunday, August 20 in a bid to raise vital funds for the facility.

The eight women, who are new to running, decided to take on the challenge to support the people they work with and help every day in their professional lives.

Samantha Goodwin is the admin assistant at Accord.

The 31-year-old will be running with teammates and colleagues Alison Auld, Lesley Connelly, Shona Crain, Alison Neillie, Amanda Sirel, Mairi Ann Higgins and Joyce McNaught.

She said it was nurse Alison Auld whose idea it was to take part in the run.

Samantha explained: “She watched someone on TV compete in the London marathon on their 80th birthday and said to us, ‘If that lady can manage a marathon I’m sure we could manage a 10k’.

“We were all keen to get involved as we’re always trying to do all we can to help the hospice and it’s a good way to raise our fitness levels.”

Samantha has worked at Accord — which offers specialist end of life and palliative care — for the past two and a half years.

It’s an organisation which is close to her heart, with her mum having received care and support from the hospice before sadly passing away.

Samantha said: “I saw how amazing the hospice was with my mum and that attracted me to work here and be as involved as I could.

“The support Accord gives is amazing, not just to patients, but the whole family unit.

“It’s also a lovely environment to work in — we laugh every day.

“It’s a very special place.”

It costs £ 5,000 a day to run the hospice and Samantha says donations are vital to its survival.

She said: “Fundraising cash is a big chunk of what keeps Accord going.

“We hope to boost funds and raise awareness to get word out there about the amazing work done here.”

The Paisley 10k road race will see hundreds of runners take to Gilmour Street to sprint around the town for their chosen charity.

“It will be tough, but it’s a good experience,” Samantha added.

“We are a tight-knit group, so can support each other along the way — and, either way, we can have a laugh at how good or bad we end up doing.”

Donate to the ladies’ fundraising cashpot by visiting www. justgiving. com/ fundraising/alison-auld2

We’re always trying to do all we can to help the hospice Samantha Goodwin