Crieff couple in the running for charity
Karen and Rob raise cash and stay fit into the bargain
A run- loving Crieff couple are proving that “miles bring smiles” by donning their training shoes – and sometimes fancy dress gear – to take part in a host of running events.
Karen Edgar and Rob McLaren are running for the Chest Heart and Stroke (CHSS) charity and, so far in 2016, have completed two half marathons, in Tiree and Liverpool respectively, and three 10k races – at Loch Ness, the Great Scottish Run in Glasgow and Culloden.
And, before the year is out, they will also have done the Mo Run and two Santa Runs. CHSS is close to their hearts. Karen said: “The words ‘heart’ and ‘stroke’ are often heard around my family household.
“My dad has an irregular heartbeat and often ends up in A&E around the country attached to a defibrillator.
“His sisters had heart problems. One auntie died some years back and one aunt died in February this year which was the result of a stroke.
“Recently in August the youngest aunt on my dad’s side suffered a stroke and is still struggling with her speech.”
But Karen stressed: “We are not only running for our own family members, we are running to help lots of people suffering and recovering from strokes and heart-related illnesses and their families.
“The work the teams involved put in to assist families affected by this is awesome and the funds we raise go towards helping them.
“Rob and I will be sprinting to the finish line because ‘miles bring smiles!’”
The pair have set up a fundraising page at www. justgiving. com/ TeamMcLarenCrieff so that people can sponsor them and say that every little helps.
Karen added: “You are just a heartbeat away from helping.
“If people can spare £ 1 or more, please donate if you can.”
Keeping the momentum going Karen and Rob are already planning events to take part in 2017.
They can also regularly be seen running in Crieff’s MacRosty Park.