Charity in Moray: Marathon efforts to remember former Elgin Academy pupil Cal McClure and raise money for The Institute of Cancer Research
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A physiotherapist from Elgin is running the London marathon this Sunday in memory of a school friend.
Catherine Graham is attempting to run 26 miles for Cal McClure, who died last year at the age of 27 from an aggressive form of cancer.
So far Catherine has raised more than £10,000 for The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in London, the world-leading institute and charity.
This figure includes £2940 drummed up recently by a coffee morning and raffle at the Elgin City.
Cal, who attended Elgin Academy, sadly died after being diagnosed with desmoplastic small round cell tumour.
This aggressive type of sarcoma which affects soft tissues in the body currently has a poor prognosis, but ICR scientists led by Professor Janet Shipley are working to finding more effective treatments.
Catherine and another of Cal's friends, Ian, completed a marathon in Gran Canaria during March.
Together they raised over £14,000 for ICR after completing the gruelling event which involved rough terrain and about a mile of climbing during its 26-mile route.
Catherine said: "I have been so overwhelmed by all the fantastic and generous donations given so far.
"Cal was a wonderful friend and I want to raise as much money for The Institute of Cancer Research as possible in his memory.
"Professor Shipley leads a team of talented scientists looking for ways to improve treatments for children, teenagers and young adults with types of sarcoma.
"This is where any donations made will be directed."
Lannah Carbonilla is head of supporter events at the ICR.
She said: "It’s a challenging time for so many at the moment, but we hope Catherine and all our runners will be spurred on by the knowledge that they’re helping to make a difference for people affected by cancer up and down the country.
"Every £1 raised means that our research can keep moving forward, and every step taken towards that finish line brings our researchers one step closer to finishing cancer."
Support Catherine HERE
