Caitlin Andrew, a 26-year-old boxing coach and personal trainer from Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire, is running 827 miles from Land's End to John O'Groats in memory of her best friend, Tyla-Neve Malone, who died from epilepsy last year. She aims to become the first Scottish woman to run the length of the UK.
Emotional Reunion Ahead in Glasgow
After covering the length of England in 20 days and crossing into Scotland on June 20, Andrew is set to arrive in Glasgow on Tuesday. She expressed anticipation for an emotional reunion with friends and family, including Tyla's family. "It's going to be emotional. I can already feel it's going to be emotional," she said. "Being able to see them, that's going to lift me for the rest of it."
Challenge Details and Fundraising Goal
Andrew set out from Land's End on June 1 and hopes to reach John O'Groats by July 5, completing roughly a marathon a day for 35 days. Her goal is to raise £10,000 for Epilepsy Scotland, a charity supporting the approximately 80,000 people in Scotland living with epilepsy.
Physical and Mental Struggles
Despite battling loneliness, physical exhaustion, and feet "absolutely covered in blisters, cuts," Andrew described the run as "something else." She noted that a planned support vehicle fell through at the last minute, leaving her to complete the challenge solo. "There have been good days, and there have been bad days," she explained. "The days that have been bad, it's been more dark than anything."
Route and Community Support
After a night in Glasgow, Andrew will continue north to Balloch, Inverary, Tyndrum, Fort William, Inverness, Tain, Golspie, and finally Wick to John O'Groats on July 5. She encourages people along the route to come out, cheer, or run a short section with her, stating, "Every bit of support will matter."
Epilepsy Scotland CEO's Praise
Lesslie Young, chief executive of Epilepsy Scotland, said: "Everyone at Epilepsy Scotland is incredibly proud of Caitlin. This is an extraordinary challenge, and it speaks to the love she has for Tyla and the strength she has found through running. Around 80,000 people in Scotland live with epilepsy, and up to two people a week die from the condition. Epilepsy is still widely misunderstood, and Caitlin's journey will help bring attention to the impact it can have on families, friends and communities."
For more information or to donate, visit justgiving.com/caitlin-andrew.
