So as many of you will know, for years I have talked about trying to beat the pesky carrot. Everyone asks, "The carrot?", the look of confusion on everyone's face. Then I explain to them about Craig and Kevin the Carrot, show them photos and the reason as to why. They are all amazed at the fact there is this 6ft odd man carrying a massive carrot on his back with his arms and legs flapping about like he's trying to help! Well this year myself and my fellow parkrunner Scott Cowie, have decided to team up with Craig and help Kevin "the pesky" Carrot round the Great Scottish Run Half Marathon. If I can't beat him, why not join him! We will all be taking it in turns of carrying him round the course, getting as many shout outs and hi-fives along the course as we go. All while hoping to raise as much as possible. 🥕🎗️🏃‍♀️

Now, if you are one of the few people who don't know Craig and Kevin's story and the reason as to why, Craig's eldest son Gavin was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma in November 2014 aged 13. They got in contact with Liberty's Legacy, which is a special fund of the Bone Cancer Research Trust which focuses on research into Ewing Sarcoma, it is rare and therefore doesn't attract funding as much as other cancers do. Gavin was one of 2 cases that was diagnosed in Scotland that year! Shows you how rare it is. Since then Craig, Kevin and their extended family have raised thousands of pounds #forgavin through Liberty's Legacy. From pub quizzes, to flower and wreath making workshops, to Christmas Lights in the garden to be enjoyed by thousands of people each year. You name it, these guys have done it! Gavin fought this disease all through his teenage years, as if those weren't hard enough being a teenager! He unfortunately lost his fight in September 2021 aged just 20. He never gave up though. He took part in clinical trials albeit his treatment regimes are now dropped in favour of other pathways, but he has given hope to others who will receive more effective treatment protocols. He wished for improvements to future treatments. He wished that science and research will catch up. So that is why Craig and Kevin run everywhere they can. Afterall, who can miss a massive carrot being carried around?! 🎗️🥕🏃‍♀️

The resilience of Gavin through his treatment and his family since are just amazing! I have known them for years and they never give up. Not then, not now, never. I'll always remember Gavin as the caring, happy little boy I used to see on a Sunday morning, we never parted ways without a hug.

I hope you will be able to help Scott and myself raise some extra pennies for this wonderful charity who have supported one of the nicest families I have ever known. Let's get the crowd cheering at the team running with the carrot. Let's get photos on everyone's social media pages and everyone talk about "the Pesky" carrot. I get told I'm mad at the best of times, so why not get madder and help carry this carrot around! ❤️🎗️🏃‍♀️🥕

Treatment protocols for Ewing’s have barely changed in 40 years. 5 year survival rates have remained static at around 50% and for those with metastatic disease, only 20-30%. Yet primary bone cancer as a whole received just 0.027% of funding from the major UK cancer charities in 2020/21. The strength, courage and determination Liberty showed to change these dismal stats despite her age and own adversity are inspiring. Please help continue her Legacy, so that newly diagnosed patients can be given hope and the future every child deserves. For more info: www.bcrt.org.uk/LibertysLegacy