Charity staff attempt marathon relay

May 21 2010 by Stuart Wilson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

BIG-hearted Barnardos staff will take to the streets in a bid to raise vital cash for charity.

The plucky bunch will pound the roads of Edinburgh in the city’s annual Hairy Haggis relay marathon this weekend.

Together, the staff-team hopes to raise a whopping £1500 to boost the Barnardo’s coffers.

South Ayrshire families worker, Judith Dunlop, who’ll run the eight mile stretch of the relay, said: “We’re aiming to complete the run in under four hours and 30 minutes.

“We’ve started a jogging group at work and have been running twice a week to prepare for the big day.

“We’re all really excited to be taking part. It’ll be a really good day.”

Judith will be joined by fellow runners and colleagues Charmaine Hughes, Sarah Elliott, Susan MacArthur, Ian Johnstone, Marella O'Neill, Susie Manderson and Frances Emmerson.

They will form two teams to complete the gruelling 26.2 mile relay.

The workers, who are all part of the charity’s southwest Scotland services, have also ploughed their time into organising a car boot sale and prize bingo to help raise funds.

Charmaine, of South Ayrshire families service, said: “This is my first marathon and I’m really nervous but excited.

“Training has been torture but I’m getting there slowly.

But it hasn’t been plain sailing for the team.”

Susie added: “I picked up a hamstring injury a few weeks ago and have been getting physio on it.

“It’s getting better now and I’m increasing my running by a mile a week just now. I can’t wait though.

“We’re all travelling to Edinburgh the night before so that we’re all set on the morning of the race.”

Behind the scenes the rest of the South Ayrshire Families staff are working hard to support their colleagues. From sponsorship and admin to searching for accommodation and ordering team vests – there’s not been a dull moment.

To sponsor the Barnardo’s team and help them reach their fundraising goal, log on to http://www.justgiving.com/Charmaine-Hughes or call their office on 01292 610479.