On 9th November 2025, I'll be running my very first marathon, in aid of the Border Holiday Group's (SC050409) next coach trip to Europe in 2026.

Why Athens? This won't be just any old marathon. This is the original, striding in the footsteps of the legendary Pheidippides whose Marathon to Athens run was the inspiration for the modern 42-kilometre (26 mile) race.

I took up running last May for better physical and mental health, and it's a challenge I'm looking forward to, having recently managed back-to-back half-marathons in Falkirk and Glasgow.

Why the Border Holiday Group? They are a Hawick-based charity which organises coach holidays to Europe for folk in the Borders region with physical and mental disabilities, as well as chronic illnesses. Its main goals are to provide them with social and leisure opportunities they might not otherwise be able to afford, and to give carers at home a well-earned break.

My mum, Elizabeth, and her cousin Mary, greatly benefited from being part of their 2024 contingent who went to the Netherlands. She still speaks about it to this day!

These trips use a specialist part-coach, part-ambulance known as a 'Jumbulance', designed for transporting over long distances in safety and comfort with the help of volunteer nurses, carers and helper volunteers. Each trip costs approx. £35,000, so any help towards this would be greatly appreciated. Small change can make a big difference!

Thanks in advance,

Ali x