In November 2021 my dad, Andrew McKillop died from a brain stem stroke. I knew strokes can change peoples lives, but I didn't expect them to cause such sudden death. Prior to my dad dying we had all spent time together as a family celebrating my younger brother Finlay's graduation. That was on a Friday, and by the time we got to Tuesday Morning he had died. Nobody expects these things, however the sudden nature of it all has shown me that you should never take things in life for granted, especially your family. 

I am delighted to be able to raise funds for the Stroke Association, as for the ones who are lucky enough to survive serious strokes with chances for rehabilitation, the support needed after can be very substantial, and take years. I also want to raise awareness of how people who may not appear or feel ill at all can end up suffering serious strokes. 

I was able to spend some time with my dad in hospital and I made him the promise I would do something 'crazy' in his honour, and this is it- I am running a marathon. Running is something I started to get into during lockdown in 2020, and trust me, prior to that I was not the person you would expect to find running! My dad liked going for walks and there is something to be said for the relaxing effects of the great outdoors. In early 2021 I had to call my dad to be picked up after I tried to run on a country road, one lane shut, with buses heading towards me and in the ice..! Needless to say he wasn't impressed but picked me up with a smile. Here is to a more sensible agenda in preparation for the marathon..! This one's for you dad.