Glasgow man to take on Edinburgh Marathon in memory of late uncle

Sam Watkin will take on the challenge in memory of his uncle, David Watkin, a renowned cellist and conductor whose career was cut short by scleroderma.

He said: "This year marks the first anniversary of his passing and I wanted to celebrate him in a way that reflects the strength and character he showed throughout his life.

"Edinburgh was a city close to my uncle’s heart.

"He lived, worked, and raised his family there.

"Every mile run is a tribute to the incredibly stoic, witty, and kind man he was."

David Watkin, described by the RCS as “one of the finest cellists of his generation" (Image: Supplied)

David Watkin was described by the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS) as "one of the finest cellists of his generation – a master soloist, chamber musician, orchestral leader and conductor.

His career included performances with ensembles such as the English Baroque Soloists, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, and the Philharmonia Orchestra, and conducting groups such as the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and the Academy of Ancient Music.

He was also an educator, serving as head of music and head of chamber music at the RCS.

In 2013, Watkin was diagnosed with scleroderma, a rare autoimmune condition that affects connective tissue.

The illness caused increasing stiffness and swelling in his fingers, forcing him to stop performing in 2014.

Despite this, he continued to teach and conduct, remaining active in the musical community.

His final major recording, the Bach Solo Cello Suites, was completed just before his condition worsened, and later earned critical acclaim and major awards.

David Watkin, described by the RCS as “one of the finest cellists of his generation" (Image: Supplied)

Sam is taking on the Edinburgh Marathon driven by the loss of his uncle and a desire to raise awareness of a condition that is not well known.

He is running to raise funds for Scleroderma and Raynaud’s UK (SRUK), a UK charity dedicated to supporting people affected by scleroderma and Raynaud’s.

SRUK works to improve the lives of people affected by these conditions through research, awareness campaigns, and direct support services.

David Watkin, described by the RCS as “one of the finest cellists of his generation" (Image: Supplied)

Gemma Cornwell, head of fundraising and engagement at SRUK, said: "We are so proud to have Sam as one of our supporters and his determination to honour his uncle’s incredible legacy is nothing short of inspiring.

"There is so much we don’t know about debilitating autoimmune conditions like scleroderma, that’s why we are so grateful to Sam for going the extra mile to help us fund research and uncover more answers.

"We wish him the very best of luck and every success in the Edinburgh Marathon."

The Edinburgh Marathon takes place on Sunday, May 24.