An army of keen runners are gearing up to support Highland Hospice in Baxters Festival of Running which takes place on Sunday 24 September 2017.
Twenty soldiers from The Highlanders 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland are running the marathon to raise funds for the Highland charity.
Led by company commander Gordon Muir, they are looking forward to the challenge. Gordon said, “We are asked each year to raise funds for charity, combining numerous events, mostly endurance races and other fitness events, into an annual attempt to raise money for charities in our traditional recruiting areas. This year, Highland Hospice was suggested so our team have been training hard in order to raise funds for this great service provider.”
Also running the marathon for the sixth time is Emma Slater (38) whose grandmother passed away in Highland Hospice. Emma was just 11 at the time. More recently, in 2015, her other grandmother passed away, having stayed in the Hospice three months beforehand. Emma started running eight years ago to lose weight and dropped a few stone and dress sizes.
Emma said, “We were blown away by the caring, generous staff and the peaceful and calm atmosphere the place afforded. Nothing was too much trouble and the staff made her stay lovely, even putting wee flowers in an egg cup on her breakfast tray which absolutely delighted her. Betty made friends during her stay and my mum has stayed good friends with some of their families which has been a huge comfort.”
She added, “When I ran in Sept 2015, with 3 miles to go I felt like giving up. Every inch of me hurt and I felt I was done.....then a small white feather floated down from the sky and landed on my foot and I took that as a sign that my granny was with me and had my back.”
She even has angel wings and the phrase “Wings on your heels, soft wind at your back” tattooed on her heels in memory of her grandmother’s support.
Emma said, “I feel that with every run I do, I have a permanent reminder of a truly special woman and will continue to run for as long as I can, whilst supporting such a worthwhile and needed local charity.”
Also running in aid of Highland Hospice is Jenna Macrae, who is doing the 10K in memory of her dad. After he passed away Jenna felt she needed to set herself a challenge. She said, “Training has really helped me focus myself and I will enjoy giving something back. Although Dad was cared for at home with only one visit to the Hospice we recognise that his family would not have been able to look after him as well as they did without the constant support from the Hospice.”
Applications to enter Baxters Festival of Running have now closed, but if you are an existing runner and would like to run for charity and join Team Highland Hospice, please contact Jenna Hayden on 01463 246472 or j.hayden@highlandhospice.org.uk
