Andy’s race for charity
Strathearn Harrier is running for a good cause
Strathearn Harrier Andy Scott is gearing up to compete in the Stirling Marathon.
The regular marathon runner is competing in the May event in aid of Hamish Dear’s Warm Hugs.
The charity was set up by Kris and Hollie Dear following the death of their son Hamish not long after his first birthday.
The good cause is based on Kris and Hollie’s own experience of having a child receiving treatment for cancer, with the aim of helping make special memories for children and their families by providing financial support for activities and events which they otherwise might not be able to enjoy.
Andy, who has raised around £7000 for a combination of Bowel Cancer, Macmillan, Marie Curie, and PTSD Resolution, said: “I had the pleasure of sailing with Kris several years ago and, like any new father, when Hamish was born Kris was absolutely delighted.
“I remember Kris telling me that soon after Hamish was born, he popped into a bookies’ and put a tenner on Hamish playing for Aberdeen by the time he was 18.
What followed was heart-wrenching, and what Kris and Hollie have done in setting up Hamish Dear’s Warm Hugs is nothing short of inspirational.”
To contribute to ‘Team Hamish’, see www. justgiving. com/ fundraising/ HamishStirling or via the Harriers website.
Meanwhile, Susan Saunders is no stranger when it comes to running to raise funds for charities.
Over the years, the keen runner and family members have raised more than £10,000 for research and care for sufferers of mesothelioma following the death of her father from the disease.
This year, Susan is taking on the challenge of running two marathons in the space of five weeks – with the London Marathon in April followed by May’s Stirling Marathon to raise money for Alyssa McClure.
Alyssa was diagnosed with autism when she was two years old and now, at the age of six, she needs assistance with communication skills.
Money Susan raises will help buy the technology that will make it easier for her to talk to her with her friends and family, and at school.
It involves the use of an iPad and specialist software, and could potentially make a massive difference to Alyssa and her family.
To contribute, search for ‘Susan Saunders’ on www.justgiving.com