16/05/2025
Back Pharmacy is supporting an upcoming charity fundraising event, please see the details below.
"Breast Foot Forward "
In 3 weeks time I am undertaking the ‘small’ task of running the Hebridean Way to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Now charity.
I am a ‘Bachach’, now living and working as a nurse lecturer in Aberdeen. When my running friend Carl, was looking for another crazy challenge to add to his previous impressive fundraising efforts for the charity, the Hebway came into the conversation. As an Englishman and veteran, who has never had the luck of visting our beautiful islands, he was sold on the route. The plan has now come to fruition and we set off on Thursday 5th June (at 02:30) from Vatersay, hoping to reach Stornoway some time on Sunday (sleep will be kept to the minimum needed).
Whilst I am a novice ultra runner, supporting his efforts by joining him to run (walk/crawl) the route seemed like a ‘no brainer’. As a young nurse working in the Coronary Care Unit in Aberdeen, my mum, Agnes Macrae (Chandy’s wife), was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer. I took a career break to move back home to Lewis to care for her until she died (2002), aged just 52. Those from Back may remember my precious mother Agnes, we lived in BroadBay View. Her smile was a reflection of her warm and caring nature. She worked in Woolworths, prior to that she cleaned Back School. This cruel disease also took the life of my beautiful friend Kathy, who died 7 years ago, aged 42.
This fundraiser is going to be both physically and mentally gruelling. I am under no illusion about the challenges we will face along the way. I am going to draw on the difficult time I faced when caring for my mother to remind me I can do hard things.
I was hoping you would consider including a piece about our challenge via your communication channels to raise awareness with the locals, in the hope they may want to support our efforts, by giving us a wave or a toot of the horn if they pass us (high chance I will be an emotional wreck)! We also have a just giving page (link below) if anyone wishes to support this fundraiser.
https://www.justgiving.com/page/hebway-ultra
Many thanks for your kind support, it is very much appreciated.
Kind regards,
Muriel
