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A 24-year old from Kirkintilloch is set to run 100 kilometres from Edinburgh to Glasgow this weekend for Beatson Cancer Charity, following his mum’s cancer diagnosis.
Ally Russell will be starting his challenge on Princes Street in Edinburgh at 5am on Saturday 8th June and hopes to reach The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre in Glasgow by 6pm on Saturday night.
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Ally’s mum, 56-year old Lorna Russell, was diagnosed with a rare aggressive lymphoma on Christmas Eve. The mum of three has been in hospital since she was diagnosed – she was originally in The Beatson but has recently moved to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital to start her stem cell transplant.
Lorna was previously diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005.
PICTURED: Ally Russell and his mum, Lorna, at The Beatson
Ally said: “My mum uses a lot of Beatson Cancer Charity’s services, especially The Wellbeing Centre. This has been a safe space for all of us when visiting and it’s a nice change to go here to spend time together.
“My mum also goes to the Wellbeing Centre on her own to get a change of scenery from the wards.
“She also uses the services to get massages and manicures for a sense of normality.
“She has used the wig fitting service too and her wig looks great.”
Ally was originally taking on the challenge by himself as he has always been into fitness, but his close friend, Kyle, is doing the full run with him.
Many friends and family members are cycling alongside the pair and Ally’s girlfriend, Tess, and other friends are joining for part of the run on the day.
Ally has so far raised over £5,000 and says he is fundraising for Beatson Cancer Charity following the support the charity has shown his mum.
PICTURED: Ally and his mum, Lorna
Ally said: “Since December I have seen all the hard work, dedication and care everyone has shown my mum as well as every other patients in there.
“I think the staff and everyone in involved with The Beatson are true heroes and I believe their work shouldn’t go unnoticed and should be respected by all.”
Maisie McCormick, community fundraising manager at Beatson Cancer Charity, said: “We are all so inspired by Ally and the incredible challenge he’s taking on this weekend.
“The money raised by Ally and his family and friends will help us to support so many patients and their families in the west of Scotland and beyond.
“We are all wishing Ally the best of luck and can’t wait to hear all about his challenge!”
If you want to take on a challenge or fundraise for our charity, find out more here.
