In April I’ll be taking on a double challenge to raise money for Young Lives vs Cancer: the London Landmarks Half Marathon on the 7th and the Virtual London Marathon, from Glen Affric to Kiltarlity, two weeks later (because I couldn’t get a place at the real thing).

As part of my preparation, on March 10th I'll take part in the Inverness HM followed by the Alloa HM a week later. I might throw in a couple of 10ks too.

My runs will be inspired by Ailsa Fraser from Inverness, my friend and City Limits bandmate Keith's little one. Ailsa, who was nine in 2022, has been in Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Children since July, and will be there until February receiving treatment for Osteosarcoma – bone cancer. In addition to the gruelling chemotherapy, in September Ailsa had to have her right arm and shoulder amputated. Despite going through this horrible time she has remained incredibly brave and smiley.

Young Lives vs Cancer helped support Keith, Ailsa’s mum Gayle and the whole family in sourcing grants, temporary accommodation and liaising with other charities including Calum’s Cabin who were able to provide and fund a Glasgow flat as a base for the family to stay together and where Ailsa could stay during brief breaks in chemotherapy. Without them, things would have been so much harder.

Please support their vital work.

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