A unique marathon challenge

Scott’s story

“My mum Anne is my wee hero. She brought me up pretty much on her own and worked so hard to look after me. She is kind and caring and always trying to help others.

“She worked in a factory for many years and was a big part of the local community.

“Just over 15 years ago I started noticing differences in mum’s memory, and I moved in with her not long after to help support her. Then in 2014 she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

“We’ve always enjoyed taking trips together, but after her diagnosis I made even more of a point of taking her out and creating as many memories as possible while she was still well enough.

“She loves tennis and music, so over the years we’ve been to the US Open and Wimbledon, as well as to concerts for people like Paul McCartney and Elton John.

“Since her diagnosis, I’ve seen first-hand the fantastic work that Alzheimer Scotland does to support people affected by dementia and every year I try to do some kind of fundraising for them. I’ve previously written a book, done a skydive, an abseil and a zip slide for the cause, so this year I wanted to do something different.

“Mum is 81 now and uses a wheelchair but I still try to get her out as much as possible. I’m a fan of running and have done a few marathons in my time, so I thought I could combine the two by pushing the wheelchair for 26.2 miles around our local area.

“It would be too much for mum to do the whole distance, so I got my friends to sit for the first 20 or so miles – collecting donations in a bucket along the way – and then I did the last few miles with mum. It was a tough challenge but it was great to have people come out to cheer us on.x

“I’d hoped to raise £1,000 but we’re now sitting at just over £3,000. We’re so grateful to everyone in the local community and beyond for their support in helping us fundraise for such an amazing cause.”

Thank you to Scott for sharing his story.