An Angus mum has spoken of her pride after her 11-year-old son won this year’s Dundee Race for Life in memory of his grandparents.
Bronwen Hughes, who lives in Carnoustie, watched Jude go one better than last year by winning the 5k race in an impressive time of 21 minutes.
Jude started alongside mum Bronwen and sister Molly, 13, at the start line at Camperdown Park on Sunday, but was soon showing the other 2,000 competitors a clean pair of heels.
Children can enter the women-only Race for Life, which is why Jude ended up going up against so many of the fairer sex.
A pupil at Seaview Primary School in Monifieth, Jude raised £50 for Cancer Research UK as he crossed the finish line first in memory of grandfather Glyn Fidzewicz and grandmother Amilda Hughes.Photo gallery: Dundee Race for Life (part 1)Jude, who competes with Dundee Hawkhill Harriers, came second last year in the 5k race but showed off his potential by taking top spot this time.
Proud mum Bronwen said: “He’s quite an all-round sportsman. He enjoys running and playing football and we try and give our kids a variety, but he’ll choose his own path.
“He’s a very good endurance runner and is comfortable over long distance.Photo gallery: Dundee Race for Life (part 2)“On Sunday he started at the front alongside his sister but then he just took off and decided to go for it. We were extremely proud of him when we realised he’d won.”
Molly, who attends Monifieth High School, also enjoys running and competes for Dundee Hawkhill Harriers.
Bronwen is originally from Australia and she met Dundonian offshore worker Tim during a backpacking trip to Scotland.
The couple eventually married but moved back to Australia after Jude and Molly were born. They returned to Scotland three years ago following the death of Tim’s mum.
In recent years the family have also had to cope with the loss of Bronwen’s dad, Glyn.
That sparked a desire to do something for Cancer Research UK and the Race for Life seemed like the perfect fit for the family.
Bronwen said: “It’s a cause close to our hearts. Jude and Molly have lost two grandparents in three years and were running in their memory. For Jude to win just made it extra special.”