I'm running my first Ultramarathon to raise money in memory of our friends - Jim and Anna's - wee boy Grant Michael Mackin who sadly died 9 months after being diagnosed with ATRT - a very aggressive cancerous brain tumour that had also spread to his spine.

The Ultramarathon will take place on Saturday 27th September 2025. I’ll be running 50 miles over the Ochil hills from Stirling to Perth.

Grant’s Story

Grant was only 18 months old when he was diagnosed with this awful disease. Despite enduring numerous operations, including major brain surgery to remove as much of the tumour as possible, countless chemotherapy sessions, and a stem cell transplant, we were devastated when he passed away on 30th March 2024 aged 27 months. Although the various medical interventions took their toll on Grant, he remained a cheerful and happy wee boy until the very end, bringing us all such joy and happiness during his short life.

The money I raise will go to Grant's Grapple, which was set up by Jim and Anna. The funds are used to help the families of children who are being treated in the Schiehallion Ward of the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow, where Grant received such excellent care. It will be used to provide Hickman line vests for the children and food shopping vouchers for the families for them to use during their stay in the Hospital. Hickman line vests are necessary so that the children can't access their central line, which delivers their medication. They are very costly for parents to buy.

I am constantly in awe of Jim, Anna, JJ and their whole family. They have faced the worst of circumstances, yet remain such positive people and so committed to helping others who are facing the same challenges they have.