Kilwinning woman to run London Marathon for MS charity

Keen runner Mhairi McCandless hopes to boost the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society by competing in the legendary race on Sunday, April 27.

She will be running in memory of her late brother-in-law Drew Hunter, who sadly died as a result of the disease last year.

Mhairi has already been training in parks across North Ayrshire for the big event.

The North Ayrshire Athletics Club runner said: "We enjoyed a beautiful sunny morning down Dalry park on March 8 to run in memory of my sister Fiona's late husband and my nephew Adam and niece Sara's dad Drew.

(Image: Mhairi McCandless) "We even managed a wee stop to say hello to Drew's brother Scott at the local garage en route as we ran through the town raising awareness of MS.

"We have a further run planned for March 29, starting at Corespace, Kilwinning at Lesley Revive and Thrive, and we will be running through the Three Towns, again to raise awareness of MS, where we hope people will join us to run at some points throughout."

She added: "My friend Cheryl's mum Carol, who lives with MS herself, will be out to cheer us on.

Mhairi has been supported by Revive and Thrive (Image: Mhairi McCandless) "Lesley Revive and Thrive has been instrumental in helping with our aches as the miles go up for the marathon training and will be offering massage therapy on March 29 at Corespace with all proceeds raised going to MS Society."

To contribute to the fundraising, visit here.

Mhairi added: "My brother-in-law Drew had MS and unfortunately passed away in March 2024 after many years of this illness. Taken too young at 56-years-old.

(Image: Mhairi McCandless) "He leaves behind his son Adam and just missed his daughter Sara turning 21-years-old. My sister was there doing what she could along with his mum Margaret and brothers until the end.

"My best friend's mum Carol also has MS and I see the impact it has on them all and how much my friend Cheryl does to ensure that her mum is cared for, receiving treatment and supported to live a life as independently as possible.

"MS affects people in different ways but carers - unpaid or paid - do a tremendous and difficult job that often goes unrecognised.

"I hope to raise as much as possible to help towards finding treatments for everyone living with MS and I am incredibly grateful for any contribution people can make."