Of all those present at the city’s Bught Park it proved to be an extremely special day for one Invergordon woman who has overcome breast cancer.
Nicola Ewing, 44, was able to take part in the race just two years after her breast cancer diagnosis. She is now cancer free.
Before officially starting the run Mrs Ewing said: “I feel very emotional. I feel delighted to be here with all my friends and family.
“I was supposed to be here two years ago to start the race but I just finished my first dose of chemotherapy two days before so I was in hospital and couldn’t attend. So I am delighted to be here today.
“I was all set for doing it, I was going to walk – that was my plan of action but I had my chemo on the Friday and the race was on the Sunday and I ended up getting back into hospital on the Saturday.”
Her 14 -year-old daughter Grace took her place that day and ran with her father Darren Ewing and family friend Audrey MacIver.
But despite the debilitating chemotherapy treatment Mrs Ewing did not let that stop her from raising money for Cancer Research.
She said: “Two years ago we all pulled together but in the space of three weeks we managed to raise £5,000 – amazing. That was family, friends, work colleagues that did that.
“It kept us going. Just at the time when I was starting my chemotherapy it really gave our family something to focus on. It was really encouraging.”
She added: “I am part of the Alness Jog Scotland group and they all came, the pink army came into Raigmore Hospital after the event – which was lovely.”
Her efforts for the charity have left her friends amazed, Audrey MacIver said “she is definitely hardy,” adding “she has been an inspiration to all of us.”
She said: “I think it is just a shock when any of your close friends or family here that “C” word but Nicola was just terribly strong.
“And the fundraising effort shows the strength of heart and character that she has and she is here today so it is just fantastic. We will be celebrating afterwards.”