Every day Claire Kelly grabs her trainers and completes three miles on the treadmill, juggling the routine with her job as a sports massage therapist and caring for her three young boys.
It might seem like a strict fitness regime but it’s a jog in the park in comparison to Claire’s end goal – running 12 marathons in one month.
And in true Forrest Gump style she’s calling on people to join her on the incredible challenge, with a plan to run three marathons each week in July.
Claire has something of a track record for running having completed 12 marathons last year, for a cause which is very close to her heart.
Her perspective on life changed following the death of her uncle Domo in 2015, after he passed away following a four-year fight with motor neurone disease (MND).
She is completing each marathon as a fitting tribute to him, as Dominic was incredibly active until the disease took over his body.
Motor neurone disease is a rare condition that progressively damages parts of the nervous system. This leads to muscle weakness, often with visible wasting.
Motor neurones control important muscle activity such as swallowing, breathing, speaking and walking.
As the condition progresses, people with motor neurone disease will find some or all of these activities increasingly difficult. Eventually, they may become impossible.
It affects around two in every 100,000 people in the UK every year, and there is currently no cure.
Claire is hoping to raise £12,000 for MND Scotland.
She has already raised half her target, and believes running has also helped her carve an identity outside of motherhood.
“I know a lot of people say running is their therapy but I’ve never felt that way, I think I do the marathons to prove to myself that I can,” said Claire, 32, who lives in Alford with her husband Chris.
Life is busy enough with six-year-old Lachlan, Adam, four, and two-year-old Jacob, who all love cheering Claire on.
“Adam asked me if boys could run as well as girls which made me so happy. I’m a firm believer in getting up and doing things,” said Claire.
“I come from a big Irish family and the death of my uncle Domo devastated us all.
“It was horrendous, he actually lived far longer with MND than is expected. The standard life expectancy is 11 months, but he had a four-year run. It was horrible to see the disease take over.
“You know what’s coming with each stage and he was robbed of his chance to be active.
“By running marathons I’m being active on his behalf and making the most of my healthy body.
“I want something positive to come from his death. It was actually my mum who got me into running in the first place though.”
Claire’s very first run was a 10K, and she now completes distances of 26.2 miles.
She has no set races planned outside of the Fort William marathon, and people have already volunteered to join her en-route.
“I’m still planning my marathons but quite a few people have said they’d like to run with me,” said Claire.
“I don’t mind if they raise money for MND or another charity, just the fact they’re joining me is enough.
“Quite a few of my clients have told me they’ve taken up a sport because of me and that’s brilliant, that’s exactly what my uncle Domo would have wanted.”
Claire plans to take each marathon slow and steady, and has experienced the odd moment of doubt at the huge challenge ahead of her.
Her parents routinely step in to help with childcare as Chris works offshore, although he has supported her every step of the way.
“Chris used to do triathlons and when I told him my plan, he pretty much went ‘OK my love’.
“My plan in life was to run one marathon, I never imagined that I would do this many.
“People always call me the marathon mum which makes me cringe, because the fact I’m a mother isn’t the key point about me.
“I adore my boys but I think every mum wants to carve an identity for themselves outside of motherhood.
“My boys think it’s really normal to run marathons which makes me laugh.
“I would advise anyone to give running a go, the worst thing that can happen is that you fail.
“I think it’s far better to fail having tried something than not try at all.
“MND is a terrifying disease and it’s so unfair, it can happen to anyone at any time.
“I think we owe it to ourselves to get up and do something whilst we still can.
“Domo would probably tell me to have a rest but he’d also be really proud.
“My whole family are team Domo, his life was cut short but we still have time left which can be put to good use.
“We’ll never forget him.”
To donate to Claire’s cause, visit
https://www.12in12.co.uk/
