One woman and her dog will become a familiar sight around the roads of Fife in the coming weeks.
Instead of leisurely walks, Fiona Clark, 44, and Phoebe will be training to raise money at this year’s Cancer Research UK Race For Life.
Fundraiser Fiona has been taking part in the annual event both at Beveridge Park, Kirkcaldy, and Holyrood Park, Edinburgh, since 2010, the year she lost her dad Alan, 68, after an 18-month battle with bladder cancer.
She said: “I think about dad every year when the time comes to sign up for Race For Life.
“I know he’d be proud that I’m raising money for such a good cause.
“Because this will be my sixth year doing Race For Life, I wanted to do something a little different, so I’ve roped in the dog to do it with me.”
Both will be dressed in pink for the run, but, said Fiona: “Basset hounds aren’t known for their running abilities, but if we need to walk part of the way that will be fine.
“She’s as determined as me, I think.”
The full-time foster carer from Star of Markinch leads a healthy lifestyle that she feels was encouraged by taking part in her first Race For Life six years ago.
She added: “I used to be 3st overweight in the lead up to my 40th birthday and before my first Race For Life I really struggled to run 5k, but now I really enjoy it and even managed my first 10k last year.
“It can get quite emotional on the start line because everyone taking part is there for the same reason, to unite against cancer. It’s touched us all in some way. This is our way of saying we’ll do all we can to beat this disease.”
As well as losing her dad to cancer, Fiona has lost other friends to the disease.
Another friend, Mark Hepburn, 41, is a cancer survivor.
He was diagnosed with testicular cancer at 21 but, 20 years later, he is well and cancer free.
Fiona added: “I think it’s important to see that the money being raised for research is making a difference.
“Cancer doesn’t have to be a death sentence these days, and Mark is proof of that.
“With the help of my family and friends I’ll be raising as much as I can.
“I’m looking forward to seeing them there to cheer on me and my canine friend.”