Carrying His Legacy Forward: Ailsa’s Marathon Journey for Her Dad

In September 2022, Ailsa’s family faced another devastating blow when her dad was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, immediately after completing a two‑year battle with blood cancer. Reflecting on that moment, Ailsa said, “Our entire world collapsed once again, but this time it fell harder. When he had cancer, we had hope, because at least there was a cure. But with MND, all we had was borrowed time.”

Life changed overnight for the whole family, who entered a period of anticipatory grief. As Ailsa explained, “Each day together suddenly became even more precious as we tried to find the light at the end of a very dark tunnel. But eventually, MND strips you of everything.”

Her father passed away on Sunday 13 July 2025, just ten days before what would have been his 70th birthday.

Ailsa describes her dad as an elite fell‑runner who came alive in the hills. It was in those same hills that he met his future wife – Ailsa’s mum. Their shared love for running became a defining part of their relationship. Ailsa recalled, “Like their love for each other was eternal, so was their love for running.”

That passion created one of the family’s most cherished memories. When the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon launched in 2023, Ailsa and her mum proudly pushed her dad over the start line so he could take part. Together, her mum and dad completed one final run, with Ailsa following behind.

Ailsa describes her dad as an extraordinary man whose resilience remained unwavering. “MND challenged him far beyond what he believed he was capable of,” she said, “but he took it all in his stride and faced every single day with strength, resilience, and positivity.”

To honour his memory, Ailsa has chosen to carry forward his legacy by pushing her own physical and emotional boundaries. She is running both the London Marathon 2026 and the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon 2026 – just two weeks apart. She said, “Although I know that he will not be able to watch me cross those finish lines, he will be looking down on me with immense pride. Every single step I take will be in his memory.”

Ailsa speaks with deep gratitude about the years she had with her dad. “I feel great honour and privilege to have known such an extraordinary man, and I will miss him every single day for the rest of my life.”