Helping hand from Harry for Mhairi
High five from Royal helps Crieff marathon woman
A high five from Prince Harry has spurred on a Crieff runner to complete the London Marathon on April 23.
Mhairi Duff is taking part in the famous test of stamina with brother Ian in aid of the mental health charity Heads Together.
Mhairi (26), who works at Virgin Money head office in Newcastle, told the Herald: “The charity is championed by the Royal Family. Ian and I attended a training day in Newcastle in February where we were lucky to get a talk from athletic legends Steve Cram and Jonathan Edwards, and also to meet Prince Harry in the flesh.
“Harry then came back to the Virgin Money office and gave a very moving talk about his experience of mental health.”
Mhairi is a former Crieff High pupil. She studied law at Edinburgh University and lived in Australia and New Zealand for two years following graduation.
She said: “I’ve never been much of a runner but I wanted to challenge myself and make the most of the opportunity to raise money for this amazing charity. Heads Together is trying to tackle the stigma around mental health, which I think is a very worthwhile cause. I have personal experience of friends and family who have suffered from mental health problems, and I’ve seen how difficult it can be to do the most basic things, so I think it’s important to emphasise that the illness is just as real as a physical ailment, despite the fact it can’t be seen.
“My brother, Ian, is 33 and has spent the last few years working on luxury super yachts which has enabled him to travel all over the world. When I first signed up for the marathon, he told me that it was on his bucket list and he was very jealous, so I sorted him out a place too – he may be regretting those comments now!
“We’ve both done a lot of training separately, but we always run together when we can, although it’s hard as Ian is in Crieff and I’m living in Newcastle at the moment.
“The training has been gruelling for both of us – you literally ache in bones and muscles you didn’t know existed.
“I’ve run 175 miles this year, which I think is a pretty good effort so hopefully all of that training will pay off on the day.
“I’m terrified for race day but also really excited – I just keep thinking what an incredible opportunity this is and how great the atmosphere will be.”
Ian and Mhair both have fundraising pages with Virgin Money Giving – uk. virginmoneygiving. com/ mhairi_ duff and uk. virginmoneygiving. com/ IanDuff1. They are aiming to raise £ 1,000, which Virgin Money will match.