The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Robin’s ultra sound run
A GRUELLING 95-mile race over Scotland’s roughest terrain has netted a cancer charity almost £2,500.
Perth Royal Infirmary clerical officer RobinWombill (60) handed over the money to the hospital’s Breast Care Fund after taking part in the “ultra-marathon” earlier this year.
Robin, who works in the PRI medical records department, completed the West HighlandWay Race over a weekend in June, running a total of 95 miles from Milngavie to Fort William and raising £2,345 for the PRI Breast Care Fund.
Robin started running in 2003 after being told by his GP that he was borderline obese.
Over the years he began running longer races and in 2010 he entered the world of ultra running, which is anything longer than a marathon.
Robin said: “When I first read about the West Highland Way Race in 2007 I thought it would be impossible, but after deciding I wanted to become an ultra runner, it quickly became a reality.”
“I completed seven ultra races before being accepted for the 2012 West Highland Way Race, which I completed in a time of 33 hours, 39 minutes and 51 seconds, finishing in 116th place.
“I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has sponsored me.”
Robin was joined on the race by his support crew of wifeAnne, son Richard and friends Iain and Fiona Morrison, who were named Team Pippi in memory of his niece Heather Nicholson, who died of cancer last November.
Robin explained: “During Heather’s treatment she would go to work in a selection of wigs and her favourite was a bright red wig with pigtails like the cartoon character Pippi Longstocking, a little girl who was unconventional and very strong – just like Heather. “I was very proud to run in her memory.” Consultant breast surgeon Emad Elseedawy said: “We are delighted to accept this cheque from Robin who, along with his colleagues in medical records, has long been a supporter of the work carried out by the PRI Breast Care Team.
“This donation will give our fund such a boost. We have recently bought new ultrasonic equipment, which is already benefiting our patients, and the cheque received today will be used for our next development plan.”