Ultra-runner Melanie Johnstone goes extra mile for Keith's Turner Memorial Hospital as farewell tribute to beloved grandad
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A FORMER Keith Grammar School pupil is going the extra mile to raise funds for the town's hospital as a way of saying farewell to her beloved grandad.
Melanie Johnstone (46), originally from Rothiemay and now a school catering manager in Bexleyheath, Kent, was prevented from attending the funeral of her "Grandpo", farmer Jock Strathdee, who passed away in February this year.
Running machine Melanie felt that raising money for a cause that meant a lot to Jock would be a fitting memorial.
A Guinness world record holder as the youngest female to run 100 marathons, Melanie will now tackle a 100-mile run this autumn in gratitude for the care shown by staff at the hospital.
Melanie will tackle the Autumn 100, on October 16, which follows four different spurs, including the Thames path, the Ridgeway and South Downs Way.
She said: "Before he passed, Grandpo was admitted to the Turner Memorial Hospital on several occasions.
"He always commented on how well he was looked after by the wonderful staff who work there.
"I wanted to emphasise this praise to all the staff concerned and give something back to them.
"Running on behalf of the League of Friends of Turner Memorial Hospital is the ideal scenario as I will be able to raise some much-needed funds for the local hospital knowing that my Grandpo would have greatly approved."
She added: "It was quite upsetting and difficult not being able to attend Grandpo's funeral at Rothiemay Church. I missed out on saying goodbye to him."
Jock farmed at North Retanach Farm at Rothiemay. Melanie said: "He used to drive his horse and gig at local shows, including Keith Show. He loved breeding and showing his Aberdeen Angus.
"He was thrawn and set in his ways but a very gentle man."
Melanie started running in 2001, completed her first London Marathon in 2002, and has now taken part in 363 marathons and ultra-marathons around the globe. She is rated 610th in the world for the number of marathons tackled.
Margaret Lloyd, chair of the League of Friends of Turner Hospital, said: "It's a very generous gesture from Melanie and a huge effort.
"We're all very admiring of her and wish her the best of luck."
People can donate to Melanie's fundraiser here.
