Running in memory of Alan
After weeks of training for the Edinburgh half marathon the mini bus – charged with excitement, anticipation and trepidation – set off from Lochwinnoch at the unearthly hour of 5.30 am on 23 may 2010.
The nine runners in ‘Team Donaldson’, Alan’s mum Christine, his sisters Lorna and Jacqui, his partner Ingi, brother in law Bryan, Graeme, Allan and the newly engaged David and Karen – plus their loyal supporters arrived in Edinburgh around 7.00 am in good time to warm up for the start of the race. Only Jacqui and Christine had run this distance before so, as you can imagine, this was a real challenge for the other runners. The weather was perfect – cool but not too cold with a slight breeze and even although there was a shower of rain just before the start it certainly did not dampen our spirits.
The race started with a cheer and we were off! The picturesque route took us round Arthur’s Seat, down toward Leith and along the sea front at Portobello into Musselburgh. Bryan and Allan led the way with everyone pacing themselves at various stages behind them. It was an ideal course, very flat and scenic and we enjoyed the sights of our capital city and camaraderie as we ran along.
Our enthusiastic supporters, who were also the noisiest, were there at the halfway mark, an enormous encouragement to all of us – cheering us on into the second half of the 13.1 miles (phew!). Throughout the event Alan was with us as he was never far from our thoughts and before we new it, well not quite as our legs certainly new it, we were running down the home straight towards the finish line. What an achievement! Once again our supporters could be heard shouting and cheering as we crossed the finish line.
We were tired, emotional and very thirsty as we entered the finish area where we were presented with medals, a very welcome bottle of water, goodie bags and congratulations hugs all round. Everyone was elated by the experience and did exceptionally well. Our times were:~
• Bryan 1hr 48 min 23 sec
• Christine 1hr 53 min 22 sec
• Allan 1hr 54 min 54 sec
• Lorna 1hr 58 min 24 sec
• Ingi 1hr 59 min 05 sec
• Jacqui 2hr 01 min 07 sec
• Graeme 2hr 04 min 36 sec
• Karen & David 2hr 11 min 47 sec
We took part in this event to raise money for Epilepsy Bereaved in memory of Alan who died suddenly of 2 January 2010. He was a wonderful young man who loved life. He travelled extensively all over the world, including Australia, Singapore, Europe and the Highlands and Islands of Scotland to name but a few places. He achieved a 1st Class Honours Degree in 2004 and went on to do his Masters. He enjoyed politics, music, especially his guitar, football and lively discussions with his friends. Most of all he loved his family and we loved him. He is sorely missed.
To date we have surpassed or target of £5000 for Epilepsy Bereaved and at the time of writing we have raised almost £5800 through the just giving website.
We will continue to support Epilepsy Bereaved. Our next fund raising event is a sponsored climb up Ben Lomond to mark Alan’s 30th birthday. This is being organised by Alan’s fantastic friends so watch this space…………….
