A Glasgow runner is preparing to take on a half marathon in memory of his father who died from coronary heart disease.
Oliver from Glasgow will take part in the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run in October to raise funds for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS).
The 30-year-old design engineer is preparing to tackle the challenge in honour of his dad Steven, who died in December last year.
Steven, known as Skud, died just 10 days before his 58th birthday, following a cardiac arrest caused by coronary heart disease.
Aesthetic practitioner to host charity treatment day in memory of beloved granny
Stroke left grandad unable to speak – now he's abseiling off a bridge
First look at 2026 Great Scottish Run T-shirt inspired by Glasgow's heritage
Oliver said: "My first half marathon was in 2024 where my dad came out on his bike to cheer my fiancé, Alice, and myself on throughout the course.
"In 2025 I wasn't running but Alice was.
"Me and my dad cycled round the course together cheering her on along the way.
"This ended up being the last time I saw my dad, both of us blissfully unaware of what the end of 2025 would look like.
"I am no stranger to running 21.1k but this time it's different.
"The route passes directly under my dad's living room and will take me past the point where we were last in each other’s company one year prior.
"Losing my dad has hands down been the hardest thing I have ever had to come to terms with and makes running a half marathon seem like a walk in the park.
"I will be running the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run to raise money, for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS), and awareness about heart disease."
Man donates over £100k after lifesaving heart transplant at Golden Jubilee
I'm 90 and just ran the fastest 10K ever recorded for someone my age
Glasgow singer releases deeply personal single after beating cancer for second time
Elaine Thomson, community events & corporate fundraiser at CHSS, expressed her appreciation for Oliver's efforts.
She said: "We’re so grateful to Oliver for choosing to support CHSS by taking on the Great Scottish Run.
"Oliver has an added motivation for this half marathon and his dedication is truly inspiring.
"Every pound he raises will help us continue to support the 1 in 5 people across Scotland living with a chest, heart and stroke condition and long Covid to live fuller lives."
To support Oliver’s fundraiser, visit https://shorturl.at/f0i5z.
If you’re living with the effects of a chest, heart or stroke condition or long Covid and are looking for advice and information, contact Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s Advice Line on 0808 801 0899.
You can also text ADVICE to 66777 or email adviceline@chss.org.uk.
Share