A Stirling man who has been blind since beginning is making ready to run a marathon to boost cash for Strathcarron Hospice in reminiscence of his late spouse.
In a rare act of braveness and dedication, Gordon Luke, aged 53, has dedicated to operating on this 12 months’s Edinburgh Marathon on Could 29.
Gordon, who lives and works in Stirling, hoped to run within the Stirling Marathon - however when this was cancelled he was undaunted and determined that the Edinburgh Marathon was an excellent different.
When operating, Gordon is guided by his operating companion Shona Aiken.
Each have been in coaching since August of final 12 months.
Gordon, who works for an IT firm close to Stirling, accepts that some folks may suppose they're “mad” however, he mentioned, they “actually like a problem”.
Gordon admits that the selection of a marathon was no less than partly to attain one over his brother who had beforehand run a half marathon.
Nevertheless, extra critically and extra importantly, he needs to help Strathcarron Hospice.
Gordon is operating to boost funds for Strathcarron partly to rejoice its 41 years of operation.
However over and above this, he has his personal very private and touching purpose.
“My late spouse Carolyn was a affected person at Strathcarron a number of years in the past and, by the fabulous work they carried out, they had been in a position to give my daughter and myself an additional 12 months of her life – a 12 months wherein she was in a position to see our daughter attend her faculty promenade, begin her first job and make her technique to college.
“Let’s face it – that’s priceless.
“We due to this fact wish to elevate cash for this fabulous place - and if it means a little bit of ache and struggling as we pound the streets throughout hail, rain and shine, then so be it.”
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Paying tribute to his companion Shona, Gordon mentioned: “She has been operating since she was knee-high, and has been profitable
in any respect distances as much as and together with a marathon.
“She is an excellent information. Between us we’ve received one set of working eyes; when operating, we're joined on the wrist by nothing extra substantial than one in all Shona’s headbands, and I rely fully on that and Shona’s good commentary.”
For many who love canine, Gordon’s daughter, Rebecca, might be bringing alongside his Information Canine ‘Quest’.
Requested about Quest’s curiosity within the problem, Gordon mentioned: “No he doesn't go operating with me – he refuses completely to go above second gear and prefers as an alternative to snooze at house particularly throughout moist and chilly coaching nights.”
Gordon is delighted with the response to this point for his initiative.
The entire has already reached shut
to £5,000.
Anybody wishing to make a donation to Gordon’s fundraising in assist of Strathcarron Hospice can accomplish that at: www.strathcarronhospice.web/fundraisers/shona-and-gordon-take-on-the–edinburgh-marathon-festival-2022.