Soldiers’ wives in fundraising battle Terrific 10 run to raise cancer cash
A group of determined women are pounding Paisley’s pavements to get ready to take part in this year’s Simplyhealth Great Women’s Run.
The 10 – who are all army wives from the town – will be running the event on Sunday, June 10, to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
They met through their husbands’ postings in central and West Scotland and formed a running group as a way to get fit and raise money for charity.
Diane Hollinger – whose mum survived endometrial cancer – said: “We’re all really proud to be taking part in the Simplyhealth Great Women’s Run, running alongside other women, many of whom are raising money for fantastic causes.
“We will be raising much-needed funding for Cancer Research and this incredible event in the heart of Glasgow is going to be an occasion to remember.”
The women decided to form the running group as a way of getting fit and raising money for charity.
A couple of the women, who are all aged between 32 and 44, have taken part in similar events and are looking forward to the June race.
Pam Davis, who is one of the runners, added: “We’ve been training hard.
“A few of us have signed up to a sofa to 10k app, while the mums among us have been going on buggy runs around the area.
“We try to go out on runs together. There is certainly more motivation to do so if someone else you know is going too, as you don’t want to let them down.
“Myself and another member of the group are ex-military ourselves and it is funny to think that we both used to hate running but now we love it.”
The group are Diane Hollinger, Kelly Clough, Annette Louden, Rebecca Leek, Lucy Prentice, Charlotte Neilson, Lindsey Hempenstall, Nicky McEvoy, Caroline Kelly and Pam Davis.
Romana Abdin, CEO of Simplyhealth said: “It’s fantastic to see so many inspirational women coming together to participate in the Simplyhealth Great Women’s Run.
“We have a passion and purpose that’s all about helping people make the most of life through better everyday health, and movement plays a big part in that.
“We look forward to welcoming the Paisley Army Wives, and the many other women who will join them in Glasgow this year.”
The 10k Simplyhealth Great Women’s Run goes through the west end and along the quayside taking in Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Glasgow University, The Science Centre and the SSE Hydro, before finishing in Kelvingrove Park.
Local Bands on the Run and Scottish pipers will be on hand to help motivate runners all the way to the finish line.
Finishers will receive a special goody bag including a medal, technical T-shirt, water and lots of other rewards.
For more information and to enter the Simplyhealth Great Women’s Run visit www.greatrun. org/womens
To help the Paisley women reach their fundraising target of £675, go to www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/diane-hollinger