Aboyne duo aim to break world record by running 100 marathons in 100 days to raise money for MND and Macmillan
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A pair of personal trainers from Aboyne are taking on the toughest challenge of their lives as they attempt to run 100 marathons in 100 days locally, in support of the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association and Macmillan Cancer Support - two charities close to their hearts.
If they complete the feat, which culminates when they finish the Edinburgh Marathon on May 29, they will break the Guinness World Record for the most consecutive marathons completed.
35-year-old, Fay Cunningham and 26-year-old, Emma Petrie, who run fitness business, Match My Workout, are no strangers to exercise and hope that their challenge will be a big adventure.
The ambitious couple, who share a love of fitness and the outdoors, aim to raise £100,000 in memory of Fay’s father, Alan who died of MND, and Emma’s mum, Jan who died of cancer.
Thinking ahead, Fay said: “This challenge will be a huge adventure for us, but we know there will be plenty of ups and downs along the way.
“We’re both very much aware of how short life can be and the ability to run or walk doesn’t always stay with you forever.
"Before our parents’ respective illnesses, they were fit, active people and were instrumental in who we are today.”
Emma said: “We will be completing our marathons around Aberdeenshire apart from the final one in Edinburgh.
"We live next to Glen Tanar, a local forest so will do quite a few there.
"We’ll mix it up between trail and road, running laps of Aboyne, Banchory and maybe go to Aberdeen Harbour.
"All routes must be outdoors and recorded with a GPS, so whatever the weather we will be out and about.
“We are so lucky to have an incredible support team behind us of family, friends and fellow professionals.
"We are looking forward to crossing that finish line in Edinburgh, in May so we can make them all proud.”
Speaking about the challenge regional fundraiser for the MND Association, Dominic McDonough, said: “We are so proud to have Fay and Emma attempting this amazing challenge for us.
"We know how hard every single mile will be for them but the money and awareness that they will be raising will make an incredible difference to so many people living with MND.
"They are brilliant!”
Regional fundraising manager for Macmillan Cancer Support Madeleine Gillian said: “What an incredible challenge, Fay and Emma are embarking on.
"I’m sure it’ll be an emotional task for them both but want them to know that all of us at Macmillan will be behind them every step of the way.
"We can’t thank them enough for supporting us and the funds they raise will help us do whatever it takes to support people living with cancer in every we can.
"So, from everyone at Macmillan, best of luck."
To support Fay and Emma’s fundraising efforts you can donate online through: www.collectionpot.com/pot/mmw/.
