An Angus mum-of-two is tackling a half-marathon challenge for the first time in support of her brother’s aim of raising £150,000 for a brain cancer research charity after he was written off by doctors.
Michelle Hatton from Craigo, near Montrose hopes her participation in this month’s Great Aberdeen Run will make a small but important contribution towards brother Raymond Longmuir’s ambitious target which he hopes to reach by completing an epic motorcycling journey from his home in Adelaide to his mum’s house in Friockheim.
Raymond, 36, has undergone two operations since 2013 to remove cancerous tumours from his brain and was told at one stage that he had just three to five years to live.
He continues to suffer memory loss and undergoes a regime of medication and therapy, but a recent scan gave him the all-clear from any more signs of cancer.
Michelle said: “I was only 21 when my dad died from esophagus cancer, and my brother was 26 at that time.
“Raymond was diagnosed with brain cancer just six years later and it really came home to me how you can just never be sure what’s round the corner.
“Raymond was determined to do something to help the charity and, as he never does anything in small measures, decided he’d attempt the motorcycle ride.
“I felt I had to do as much as possible to help him so, the Great Aberdeen Run will be my first fund-raising project.
“I’ve done a few 5km and 10km events before, but never a half marathon,” said Michelle of the August 27 challenge.
“I planned to do the Simplyhealth Great North Run in Newcastle a few years ago, as I had always wanted to try it, but I fell pregnant and had to pull out.
“When I heard that Great Run was coming to Aberdeen this year I thought that would be perfect for my first half marathon and for my first event in support of Raymond.”
She added: “I try to run three or four times a week and I probably cover anything from 20 to 30 miles in total.
The half marathon follows a fascinating route passing many of Aberdeen’s most iconic landmarks and buildings including the Town House, Beach Ballroom, Marischal College and the Music Hall.
The event features a 10km, half marathon, family run and business challenge, offering opportunities for runners of all ages and levels of ability and experience.
