We’re on the run to boost charity funds

Caring workers hit the road for good causes

Big-hearted Renfrewshire workers have traded in their uniforms for running gear as they prepare for a charity jog.

Firefighter Grant Carnachan, Marie Curie registered nurse Maggie McGhee and biomedical scientist Jill Campbell will tackle the Bank of Scotland Great Scottish Run in October, in a bid to boost funds for charities which are close to their hearts.

The locals are running to support the good causes and people that they help every day in their professional lives.

Impressively, Grant, 34, from Paisley, will be running the half marathon in his full firefighting kit, including breathing apparatus and cylinders, weighing in at a total of 23 kilos.

He will be raising money for The Firefighters Charity and the Scottish SPCA Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Cardonald – a nod to the animal rescue jobs he has attended during his 10 years of service.

Commenting on his inspiration to take on the challenge, firefighter Grant said: “I’ve chosen to run in aid of two charities close to my heart.

“I’m keen to support fellow firefighters going through hard times, and I’m also a massive animal lover so wanted to support my local animal shelter, where my family and I have found our loyal companions.”

Jill, 33 from Renfrew, works in the Clinical Laboratories department at the Golden Jubilee National Hospital in Clydebank.

She will complete the 10K along with seven of her colleagues to raise money for the Golden Jubilee Foundation, the charity which supports the brilliant research and innovation delivered in the hospital.

She claimed: “Seeing the amazing difference that our groundbreaking innovative work makes to so many lives really inspired us as a team to take on the Great Scottish Run.

“All sponsorship money we raise will go directly to supporting our patients.”

Maggie, 56, from Erskine, has chosen to take on the half marathon to help support the people she cares for every day.

The nurse explained: “I’ll be running in aid of Marie Curie so that my colleagues and I can reach more people living with a terminal illness and provide much-needed hands on care and support when people need it most.

“This my third run for Marie Curie but I have run eight Great Scottish Runs in total – being able to run and have a chat and a laugh with everyone is just the best fun.”

More than 30,000 runners of all abilities will participate in the three-day event, which kicks off on October 1, with Sunday’s 10k and half marathon bringing the weekend to a close.

Runners will set off at George Square, taking in some of Glasgow’s famous landmarks before reaching the tree lined finish straight in the shadow of Nelson’s Monument at Glasgow Green.

For more information and to enter the Bank of Scotland Great Scottish Run visit www. greatscottishrun.com

I ‘m an animal lover and support my local animal shelter Grant Carnachan