Holly versus mum in 10k run

Challenge: Mum and daughter put best foot forward to raise charity cash

A Shetlander who admits she “is not a runner” will be striving to beat her mum when she puts her best feet forward this summer to raise much needed funds for a local charity.

Holly Jamieson, 22, who lives on Whalsay, will be putting herself through the pain barrier to help less fortunate members of the local community.

The Anderson High School learning support worker will join her mum,

“I have to keep going as I can’t get beaten by my mum”

Kathleen, and friends, Joanne Stewart and Julie Leask, in making the 500mile round trip from the Northern Isles to take part in the inaugural Simplyhealth Great Aberdeen Run on Sunday, August 27.

All four will be raising funds for Disability Shetland, a charity which is close to their hearts.

Ms Jamieson said: “I have a lot of time on my hands over the summer months when the school is off, so I help out as a support worker with the Disability Shetland holiday club. Joanne is involved there as well.

“Two of Julie’s sons have recently been diagnosed with autism and would be interested in attending the club in the future.

“My mum has a friend whose daughter benefits from the services the charity offers, so we all have a strong interest in it.

“Over the years, however, cutbacks have led to it struggling to keep going, so we decided to start some fundraising.

“Taking part in the Simplyhealth Great Aberdeen Run is one of the challenges we have decided to do in a bid to raise £5,000.”

Ms Jamieson admitted that she is very much the novice in the group when it comes to running. She said: “My mum has taken part in a few 10k races in different parts of Scotland while Joanne and Julie have done a fair bit as well.

“But it will certainly be a challenge for me as I am not a runner.

“Julie initially suggested we should all do the half marathon, but I thought that was a bit much for my first event.

“So, me and my mum will do the 10k and the others will do the half marathon.

“I downloaded a training app and have been following it. It’s a 14-week programme of running and I go out three days a week.

“I wouldn’t say that I’ve been totally bitten by the running bug just yet, but it’s definitely getting easier.

“I have to keep going as I can’t get beaten by my mum.”

FIT FOR THE CHALLENGE: From left, Robbie Leask, Holly Jamieson, William Leask, Julie Leask, Geordie Leask, Kathleen Jamieson and Joanne Stewart (the three boys are Julie’s sons)