Andy's marathon

Maddy: 
Those of you who know me will be very aware that the only kind of run I enjoy, is a ski run. I absolutely dread the idea of trudging 26.2 (because they just had to add in that extra 0.2) miles around Edinburgh, and yet I will be doing it on the 23rd May to raise money for the British Heart Foundation. It was a very close toss-up between running for them or the British Harp Foundation, however, my relationship with the latter ended on rather a bad note. In all seriousness, my dad passed away very unexpectedly from an unknown heart disease a few weeks ago. This was a man who actively chose to single-handedly cycle across North America (yes, the CONTINENT) to raise money for charity. Which is really annoying actually because it means I have to do this stupid bloody run in his honour. My pals have been fab and will be trudging alongside me (Rache that is, the other two are very sporty). Please know I am not a natural runner and really love eating takeaway food - I hope this’ll inspire you to chuck in a few quid for a cause that is very close to my heart 

Rachel 
Maddy and I first met in our boarding house when we accidentally took each other’s labelled bunk beds! Since then we have been close friends and I was so privileged to be welcomed into Maddy’s family by her parents. In our holidays I would often visit for extended sleepovers and go away on holiday with them. Andy was always so welcoming, generous and always had time for everyone. He went the extra mile - in every way! And so now we are going the extra mile for him! Although I enjoy a good mountain climb, my sister is traditionally the runner in my family. However, after Andy’s sudden passing we are getting our running trainers fitted and running the Edinburgh marathon for the British Heart Foundation. We would love it if you could support us as we raise money and remember a really remarkable man!

Vanessa
I honestly never thought I would run a marathon. Even though I do get my trainers on from time to time l'm not the long runner sort of type, stamina and endurance are not my strengths! But when I heard about Maddy's fathers passing and her deciding to run a marathon in his memory, I knew that this was going to change. The times that I have spent around Andy & family have been very memorable, I always felt welcomed into their home and I'm incredibly lucky to have met someone like him. I'm proud to say that I will be running the Edinburgh marathon alongside Maddy, Rachel, Alex, Victoria and Ellie to help raise money for the British Heart Foundation. We are so grateful for every penny that you donate, every small donation goes a long way!

Alex
A few weeks ago, my best friend Maddy received the terrible news that her father had passed away. Like everyone whose life Andy had touched, I was devastated. He was a caring father, a strong role model and without a doubt a kind and loving man. Andy was the life of every party and his wicked sense of humour will truly be missed! Andy was an exercise enthusiast, having cycled across America only last year - given his love for a challenge, Maddy, Vanessa, Rachel, Victoria, Ellie and I have decided to run the Edinburgh marathon in his honour to fight heart disease. We would really REALLY appreciate your support in helping us raise money for the British Heart Foundation, I couldn't think of a better cause!

Nicola 
"Life is short and it should be lived to the fullest". Anyone who was lucky enough to know Andy would know this is the way of life he demonstrated and strongly encouraged everyone around him to join in. After his sudden passing earlier this year, we are thrilled to announce we be running Edinburgh marathon in 2020 in his memory. I wasn’t fortunate enough to have known Andy for the many years the other girls above have but he made a huge impression nonetheless with his generosity and spirit. Please spare whatever you can for this fantastic cause- not just for Andy and his family but for any family in the UK who one day may have to live with devastating reality of losing a loved one due to heart disease. Please give whatever you can. Thank you.