With just weeks to go until the Great Aberdeen Run returns, one participant is being buoyed along in his training by the memory of his sister.
Support worker Allan Mann is using his place in August’s half marathon to raise money for Insch War Memorial Hospital.
His sister, Jennifer Dunbar, was admitted to the hospital in October with an inoperable brain tumour, just weeks after being given the all clear following an eight month battle with breast cancer.
Due to the severity of her condition, Mrs Dunbar was unable to spend her last days at home.
But her brother has praised the hospital staff who looked after not only her, but her whole family, at a difficult time.
He said: “The staff working in the palliative suite were kind, understanding, and ensured that my sister was always comfortable.
“They also looked after my family and went that extra mile, such as allowing us to stay overnight.
“There’s no doubt that the compassionate staff helped my family through an incredibly traumatic time and that has inspired me to do something in return to raise some funds for the Friends of Insch Hospital and Community.”
He added: “I will be forever thankful for the high level of care my sister received and I would like to help Insch hospital so that it can continue to support other individuals and their families who are going through similar situations in the future.”
Mr Mann was brought up in Aberdeen and his family moved to Glasgow when he was young, but he still feels a strong affinity with the area.
He said: “I decided to run in Aberdeen because of the obvious family connection with the north-east and Insch in particular, where Jennifer’s husband and family still live.
“I have been speaking to my brother-in-law about the Great Aberdeen Run and tried persuading him to do the family run with (his daughter) Katie. So, we’ll see.”
The Simplyhealth Great Aberdeen Run will take place on August 26 and includes a half marathon, 10K, business challenge and family run.
All of the events will start and finish on Union Street, taking in some of the city’s key historic landmarks.
To support Mr Allan’s fundraiser visit
virginmoneygiving.com/AllanMann
