A Fife mother is using the memory of her late son to motivate her ahead of this year’s Great North Run.
Adam McKnight passed away last year at the age of 28 after failing to recover from a cardiac arrest.
Since the tragedy his mother, Linda Thomson, has devoted her time to raising funds for the British Heart Foundation, a campaign that has led to her participation in September’s half-marathon.
In a month that sees Mrs Thomson turn 50 and what would have been Adam’s 30th birthday, she said that the sudden death of her son had prompted her to raise awareness of heart health.
“Nothing will ever change the pain we feel from our loss and there are no words that we have found which can express our sorrow,” she said.
“However if my family and I can raise awareness on how sudden death from heart disease impacts those left behind, to help change society’s attitudes towards such tragedies, then I will continue to support the work and intentions of British Heart Foundation.
“We miss Adam every day and as part of my coping attempts I am trying to raise awareness and monies for BHF.
“With the support of my wonderful family and caring friends, I am determined to raise £28,000 – a thousand pounds for each of the twenty eight short years of Adam’s life.”
Linda’s efforts have taken her across the country, having already competed in running events in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester and London.
She intends to take her fundraising campaign across the pond having signed up to participate in the New York Marathon in November.
You can support the efforts at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/linda-thomson10.
