Tag: London Marathon

Inspirational veteran dad inspires runner to achieve lifelong ambition

Teri Evans, 47, from Stevenston, recently fulfilled a lifelong dream by participating in the London Marathon.

Teri was inspired to run in the marathon by her army veteran Dad, Alexander Duncan, who started to lose his sight a few years ago due to macular degeneration and is now supported by Sight Scotland Veterans. ​

Teri explains: “My Dad has been incredibly fortunate to receive invaluable assistance and support from Sight Scotland Veterans since he began experiencing vision loss.

“The charity’s help and support has been so important in maintaining his independence and enabling him to engage in daily activities. It has provided him with essential equipment like screen readers, daylight lamps, driving glasses and a digital magnifier for reading that he uses regularly and is very grateful for.

“Additionally, he regularly attends the Seamill Veterans Sight Support Group, which he really enjoys as it allows him to connect with fellow veterans and individuals coping with sight loss.​

“I was so proud to be running the marathon for my dad and to raise money for Sight Scotland Veterans, it was great to give something back to the charity for all the help they have provided.

“We also arranged with Sight Scotland Veterans that all the money I raise would stay in Ayrshire, so that my dad and the group he attends could benefit, as he was in my thoughts a lot of the way round the 26.2 miles.”​

Alexander Duncan, who was in the 4th Royal Tank Regiment for 14 years adds: “I’m so proud of Teri for running the marathon and for raising money for Sight Scotland Veterans.

“The charity has helped me with lots of things and I love going to my group each month, I can’t thank them enough.”​

Teri’s love for running started when she was 40, when she decided to take part in a couch to 5K. She then built her way up to running a 10K, then a half marathon, and then ran the Edinburgh marathon 2 years ago.​

Teri, who works as a Student Experience Team Lead at Ayrshire College, says: “I never used to run, and would never have believed I would be running marathons a few years ago.

“But I have just built up my fitness and endurance and now regularly attend Irvine Running Club. It was through the running club that I got my spot in the London Marathon, as they got an entry, and my name was picked out of a hat.​

“Running a marathon takes over your life, as there are so many changes you need to make, like a strict training plan to follow and changing your eating habits, but it is definitely all worth it. London is the iconic marathon that every runner dreams of taking part in, so it was a lifelong dream! I also ran in 05:07:11 which was a personal best!”​

Teri has raised over £1000, plus gift aid, for Sight Scotland Veterans. Sight Scotland Veterans provides free support to armed forces veterans affected by sight loss in Scotland to help them regain confidence, restore their independence and make new connections.​

For more information please visit sightscotlandveterans.org.uk or call 0800 035 6409.

Aldi Scotland employees support Teenage Cancer Trust by running the London Marathon 

Aldi is set to boost its donation to Teenage Cancer Trust thanks to two Scottish employees running the London Marathon in aid of the charity today.  

Kathy Hill, a Store Assistant from Aldi’s Dunfermline store, and Kevin Regan, a Store Manager in Livingston, are gearing up to pound the pavements in support of the worthy cause on 21st April.  

With almost four years of service at Aldi Scotland, Kathy, 58, is dedicated to making a difference in her local community, which extends to her decision to participate. She began her rigorous training regimen in January, supported by her colleagues, family, and local running club, after applying on a whim with her children.   

Kevin, 57, has been working at Aldi for more than 24 years. Despite the challenges posed by the Scottish weather, the keen runner has been enjoying the preparations and has already raised £2,200 individually for Teenage Cancer Trust.   

Aldi’s commitment to Teenage Cancer Trust has been steadfast since 2017. Only last week, the supermarket announced it was extending its fundraising target to £15 million by 2027, after surpassing the initial target of £10 million three years ahead of schedule.  

The funds raised by Aldi have contributed to providing essential resources for young cancer patients, including specialist nurses, support coordinators, and multidisciplinary team coordinators. 

Kathy said: “I am incredibly grateful for the support I’ve received from colleagues and customers at Aldi, especially as my training has been quite intensive.

“Their encouragement has been a driving force behind my marathon journey, and I’m honoured to have had the opportunity to give back to such a worthy cause. “

Reflecting on his preparations, Kevin shared: “Teenage Cancer Trust is a fantastic charity and the fact that Aldi has just reached the £10 million fundraising mark for Teenage Cancer Trust is amazing.

“I feel honoured to play a part in that. The community, the store, and the staff have all really supported me. A day doesn’t go by without someone wishing me well.” 

Graham Nicolson, Managing Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “We are immensely proud of our longstanding partnership with Teenage Cancer Trust and the impactful work we’ve accomplished together.

“Surpassing our initial fundraising target of £10 million three years ahead of schedule is a testament to the dedication and generosity of our colleagues and customers. Kathy and Kevin’s commitment to fundraising for Teenage Cancer Trust through running the London Marathon represents Aldi’s commitment to supporting important charities.  

“Their efforts, along with the ongoing support from our Scottish communities, reinforce our shared values of community engagement and corporate responsibility. We are confident that their participation will not only raise vital funds but also inspire others to join us in our mission to provide essential resources and support to young cancer patients across the UK, including Aberdeen, Glasgow, and Edinburgh.” 

Kathy and Kevin’s fundraising links can be found below: 

Kevin Regan, Store Manager, Livingston: https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/80dc4/2024TCSLondonMarathon#!/ 

Kathy Hill, Store Assistant, Dunfermline:  
https://www.justgiving.com/page/kathy-hill-1708868353852?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2Fkathy-hill-1708868353852&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=pfp-email 

SAMARITANS: We believe in tomorrow

We’re so honoured that Samaritans has been chosen as Charity of the Year for the 2024 TCS London Marathon today.

To mark this iconic occasion, our incredible community of runners, volunteers and supporters are coming together to tackle the stigma surrounding suicide by spreading messages of hope.  

We all struggle to cope sometimes, and one in five of us have had suicidal thoughts at some point in our lives. But suicide can be prevented and we can all play a part.

Join us in our latest campaign, as we encourage the nation to believe in tomorrow and support others to do the same.

To mark this iconic occasion, our incredible community of runners, volunteers and supporters are coming together to tackle the stigma surrounding suicide by spreading messages of hope.  

We all struggle to cope sometimes, and one in five of us have had suicidal thoughts at some point in our lives.

But suicide can be prevented and we can all play a part.

Join us in our latest campaign, as we encourage the nation to believe in tomorrow and support others to do the same.

Edinburgh dad limbers up for a marathon challenge after defeating cancer

Worldwide Cancer Research employee aims to raise over £2,000 to start cancer cures after all clear

A dad of two from Edinburgh is preparing to run his very first marathon in support of Edinburgh-based charity Worldwide Cancer Research, four years after his own cancer diagnosis.

Neil Woodley, 38,  was diagnosed with testicular cancer in January 2017, after getting a lump he was concerned about checked by his GP in December 2016. Treatment involving surgery and a round of chemotherapy followed, and by the summer of 2017 he was given the all clear.

Neil’s experience made him want to do more to help advance cancer research, resulting in him volunteering for a cancer charity, and then joining Worldwide Cancer Research in 2020 as Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships after a ten-year career in recruitment.

With marathon training in full flow, Neil plans to join the charity’s 25-strong team of runners in London in October to help raise thousands to fund new cancer cures and support colleagues in their quest to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. 

Speaking of his diagnosis and the time that followed, Neil says: “I noticed a lump and decided to get it checked out – and I’m glad I did.

“My GP referred me to a specialist at The Western straight away. It all happened pretty quickly. It was a really scary time, especially as my youngest son, Arlo, was only a baby at the time. I couldn’t help thinking about his future, and hoping I’d be there for him.

“I had surgery and one course of chemo as part of my treatment, and I was in the clear by summer the same year. I’m so grateful to the NHS and everyone who looked after me along the way – I really felt I was in the best hands possible.

“When I got the all clear I had a bit of an awakening. I asked myself ‘Am I happy?’, and realised I wanted to make some changes in my life.

“I love being part of the team at Worldwide Cancer Research. Not only am I right at the heart of the charity’s ambitious journey to start cancer cures by funding new and ground-breaking research projects, but I’m helping create a world without cancer – for me and my family but also for society as a whole. It’s an amazing feeling.

“The research we fund now could be the next life changing – and lifesaving – discovery helping those living with cancer in the future.”

In 2018, a year after his cancer diagnosis, Neil ran the Edinburgh half marathon and since then has been pretty competitive with himself, determined to shave time off his personal best.

Speaking about his running journey, Neil said: “I hated running for most of my life but I’ve grown to love it. It’s a real escape – I’ll lose myself in a good podcast or playlist and just go for it.

“My first proper run was a 5k around the Kelpies. I was a complete novice – it was a freezing night and I showed up in a t-shirt, shorts and really bad trainers while everyone else was wearing full length thermal gear.

“Running the London Marathon is firmly on my bucket list so it’s a real milestone for me. And I’m especially proud to join the growing number of Curestarters who are supporting Worldwide Cancer Research with their incredible fundraising efforts.

“Every step along the route means we’re one step closer to helping people that are living with cancer – that’s what will keep me going.”

For more information about Worldwide Cancer Research or to find out how you can help start new cancer cures, please visit: 

https://www.worldwidecancerresearch.org/support-us/donate/

To support Neil’s fundraising, go to: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/NeilWoodley

Join us in the London Marathon and help beat meningitis

Dear Editor

We’d like to invite any of your readers who have been successful in the ballot for next year’s London Marathon, announced this week, to join our team and stride out to help beat meningitis.

By running for Meningitis Now you’ll be helping us to fight meningitis in the UK and move us ever nearer to our vision of a future where no one dies from the disease and everyone affected gets the support they need.

Sadly, meningitis and septicaemia continue to affect thousands of people in the UK each year and kill more under-5s than any other infectious disease. Help us fight back by funding research, raising awareness and supporting survivors.

Those who haven’t been successful in the ballot can also apply to us for one of our guaranteed places in the Marathon – visit www.meningitisnow.org/vmlm

There’s a £100 registration fee and successful applicants will need to pledge to raise £2,000.

Our friendly events team is on hand to support your training and fundraising and, as well as a running top, we provide a post-race reception, including a sports massage and lunch.

It’s a day not to miss. Why not join our #teamtangerine today? Find out more by emailing me at kirstyo@meningitisnow.org

Yours faithfully

Kirsty Owen-Hayward,

Events Fundraising Manager,

Meningitis Now,

Stroud, Gloucestershire GL5 3TJ

Chief Exec Kirsteen tackles London Marathon to support Scotland’s animals

Scottish SPCA Chief Executive Kirsteen Campbell took on the challenge of running 26.2 miles to raise vital funds for the charity. Kirsteen ran the London Marathon for Scotland’s animal welfare charity in a fantastic 4 hours and 39 minutes – and raised almost £2700! Continue reading Chief Exec Kirsteen tackles London Marathon to support Scotland’s animals

Chief executive goes the extra mile for Scotland’s animal welfare charity

Scottish SPCA Chief Executive Kirsteen Campbell is taking on the London Marathon in aid of the charity. Kirsteen will experience one of the world’s largest running events in aid of Scotland’s abused, abandoned and injured animals tomorrow. Continue reading Chief executive goes the extra mile for Scotland’s animal welfare charity

Iain to tackle London Marathon for Scottish SPCA

A Midlothian man is running the London Marathon in aid of the Scottish SPCA to help animals in Scotland. Iain Ross from Midlothian will experience one of the world’s largest running events while supporting Scotland’s unwanted, abandoned and neglected animals on Sunday 23 April. Continue reading Iain to tackle London Marathon for Scottish SPCA

Run the London Marathon and help Scotland’s animals

sspca-image-alison-macbeth

Miss out on a ballot space for the London Marathon? Sign up to a charity space and help animals in Scotland! The Scottish SPCA is offering runners the opportunity of a lifetime to experience one of the world’s largest running events while supporting Scotland’s unwanted, abandoned and neglected animals.

With the ballot for the race closed, this could be the final chance for people to take part.

Scotland’s animal welfare charity is inviting local people to take up the challenge of running 26.2 miles while making a real difference to the lives of animals.

Alison Macbeth from Newton Mearns, who recently took part in the Loch Ness Marathon in September, has already signed up to the London Marathon in April to help save animals like her beloved dog Oatis.

Alison (pictured above) said, “Oatis was found as a stray with a badly deformed back leg and was in a terrible state.

“I’m looking forward to running the London marathon for the Scottish SPCA as I’m so grateful to them for saving my dog’s life.

“The Scottish SPCA nursed him back to health although sadly he had to have his back leg amputated.

“Oatis is now incredibly fit and healthy and loves nothing more than swimming at the beach and chasing his ball. We cannot imagine life without him.”

Balerno Centre Manager, Diane Aitchison, said, “We have a huge amount of respect for anyone who sets themselves the goal of training for and running a marathon, as it’s a massive achievement.

“By taking part in fundraising events like this, people are helping us to care for more unwanted, abandoned and neglected animals.

“We don’t receive any government or lottery funding which means we rely on the public to be able to continue our work rescuing and rehoming animals in desperate need of our help.

“Anyone who takes a Scottish SPCA charity place at the London Marathon will be helping save lives.”

For further information on the Virgin London Marathon 2017 please call the Scottish SPCA’s fundraising team on 03000 999 999 (option 4), email fundraising@scottishspca.org or visit the website: https://www.scottishspca.org/events/london-marathon-2016/

 

ENDS