Tragedy as ‘super fit’ jogger dies on park run
A KEEP-fit enthusiast who dedicated her life to helping others has died after falling ill while out for a run.
Cassandra Hunter, 36, became unwell while jogging in Chatelherault Country Park, near Hamilton, Lanarkshire.
Paramedics arrived within minutes and she was taken to hospital but her life could not be saved.
tributes to Miss Hunter, who lived in Glasgow, were led by her parents Martin and Mary, her brother David, and devastated friends who said it had been a privilege to know her.
A graduate of the University of Stirling, she worked as a psycho- therapist, helping those suffering from trauma, anxiety and depression.
Miss Hunter practised equine therapy and set up her own business, called Hoofbeat, which aimed to bring therapy through the use of horses.
She also volunteered for organisations helping the disadvantaged and was involved in several fundraising activities, including a skydive for the Riding for the Disabled group based in Glasgow.
A charity fundraising page created in Miss Hunter’s memory by her brother David has already raised almost £6,000.
in a message on the JustGiving site, he said: ‘We do not have a specific charity or cause decided upon yet but anyone that knows Cass will know she had dedicated her life to helping vulnerable people and we wish to continue that work in some way.
‘We will update you all when the details are confirmed.
‘Cass will be sorely missed by all of us and we are aware that her life has touched so many people around the world.’
Miss Hunter’s funeral took place at the weekend at Craufurdland Castle in fenwick, Ayrshire, and was attended by mourners who were asked to wear colourful clothes in her honour. in a moving tribute her parents, from Hamilton, said: ‘She will be forever in our hearts.’
Dozens of messages have been left by acquaintances and family members on the JustGiving page. One friend, Carrie-Ann Smith, posted: ‘Cass was the friend everyone wants but rarely finds.
‘i was so lucky to meet her. She brought so much fun, laughter and adventure into my life. She will be sorely missed.’
Margaret Halbert wrote: ‘An amazing inspirational spirit, naturally beautiful inside and out.’
A spokesman for the Scottish Ambulance Service said: ‘We received a call at 6pm on Wednesday, 23 August, to attend an incident at Chatelherault Country Park. We dispatched one ambulance, a paramedic response unit and our trauma team.
‘the first unit arrived on scene within four minutes. One female patient in her thirties was taken to Hairmyres Hospital.’
‘Amazing and inspirational’