A marathon runner from Killearn has completed a grueling 420-mile cross-country fundraiser in memory of his beloved mother, Aileen.
The Challenge
Gregor Yates, 42, took on the punishing run over 17 days from Kirk Yetholm in the south of Scotland to Cape Wrath in the north. This equated to roughly a marathon a day, with over 50,000 feet of ascent.
The challenge was devised to support Strathcarron Hospice after the care staff provided to his mother, Aileen, who spent her final days at the facility in 2023. Aileen was a familiar face in both Aberfoyle and Thornhill.
Completing the Epic Journey
Gregor finished the challenge earlier this month, raising close to £16,000 for the hospice's ongoing activities.
He told the Observer: "It was a very positive experience overall; I was dealing with a few injuries for most of the second half, but I found myself in a position of just enjoying it."
"The run just became a departure from normal life in some way because the purpose was all about getting through the marathon distance and doing it at the right pace to allow me to recover properly for the next day."
"I spent a lot of time out on the paths thinking about my mum and the support she received - those emotions plus the donations coming in every day really helped to keep me going."
"I also didn’t have much leeway built into my schedule so I don’t have much time to sit and stop really, I’d rather get the day done because that gave me more chance to get into recovery."
"When you finish something like this, there’s always a bit of a lull - you do all of the planning and get the task done, but reflecting on the £16,000 raised so far is the proudest thing to look back on."
The Route
Gregor’s route linked together several iconic Scottish trails, including St Cuthbert’s Way, the Cross Borders Drove Route, the Forth and Clyde and Union Canal towpaths, The West Highland Way, The Great Glen Way, and the Cape Wrath Trail.
Hospice Thanks
Strathcarron Hospice Community Fundraiser Amy Petale said: "We would like to thank Gregor for taking on this incredible challenge of running across Scotland in memory of his mum Aileen."
"Strathcarron Hospice needs £19,452 a day to provide our vital services for palliative care and end of life patients and their loved ones. Every life matters, every gift counts."
To support Gregor, you can donate to his page at strathcarronhospice.net/fundraisers/running-scotland.
