We are 3 local runners from Annan competing in 3 marathons in April. Our team is made up of father and son duo Norman and Andrew Johnstone, running on behalf of the Annan & District Athletic Club (ADAC) and Carly Wellburn, who is running for health, fitness and fun, if you can call running 26 miles fun!

We’d love to raise some money for charity while we’re doing this and after much thought, we decided on the Gareloch Riding for the Disabled Association (GRDA), the charity that does so much for our nephew/cousin Strachan.

Our aim is to complete 3 of the big Marathons in April with Carly running in the Manchester Marathon on 14th April 24, Norman running in the Boston Marathon on 15th April 24 and Andrew running the London Marathon on 21st April 24. Three very challenging runs that will hopefully make both our club proud and raise funds for such a great charity.

Our nephew/cousin Strachan is 16, non verbal and confined to a wheelchair, having been born with a chromosome duplication called Dup15q Syndrome. Strachan has severe developmental delay, multiple seizures daily and his mobility has sadly deteriorated as he grows older, making it increasingly difficult to find any form of exercise that Strachan can participate in. This is why we have chosen the GRDA as the charity we want to raise funds for. The Riding for the Disabled, like the Annan & District Athletic Club, is one of those great organisations that has such a positive impact on your health, life and self confidence. The Carriage Driving that they provide not only increases your core strength, balance, and coordination, but like the ADAC, it provides an inclusive, social venue for people of any age or ability. In today’s stressful world, this is invaluable and we’re so appreciative of this amazing organisation and all the dedicated volunteers that provide this fun for our special boy Strachan.