Tragically, on August 20th 2022 my mum, Janet, lost her short-lived fight with cancer.

It's impossible to repay the huge debt of gratitude I owe for the kindness and care shown by so many people during my mum's final days. But in some small way I want to try.

As many of you know, I am just a little bit of a keen runner. And my mum was just a little bit of a proud Scot. So it seems only fitting that I combine these two passions by tackling the 2023 Race Across Scotland in honour of my mum and to raise some well-needed funds for two charities close to my heart. Firstly, Cancer Research UK - who are working tirelessly to find new cures and preventions for cancer. And secondly Rowcroft Hospice who helped care for my mum at home and supported my dad through this difficult time.

The Race Across Scotland is not for the faint hearted. It’s a non-stop 215 mile ultra marathon run across one of the remotest trails in Europe going from the West coast of Scotland to the East coast crossing all the bumpy boggy rocky midge infested stuff in-between with a 100 hour cut off. The true distance covered is a hot topic of debate with estimates averaging around 237 miles. Either way you look at it – I’ll be running over 8 marathons back-to-back and the clock doesn't stop until I quit, fail or cross the finish line. More people have been to space than have successfully finished this race during its history. It’s fair to say it’s just a tiny bit tough.

So, if you can spare a few quid to please sponsor me for this run I would be hugely grateful. I promise you, I will earn every single penny you kindly donate.

I should just point out a quirk of the fundraising page. There are two links below – one for each charity. If you should feel compelled to donate, you can choose either or both charities to donate to by following the appropriate link. Funds will go direct to the charities and not be pooled and then split between them.

Thank you x