Black Isle runner steps up effort for brave bone cancer lass
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THE plight of a girl battling cancer inspired a 65-year-old man to complete his third half marathon in five weeks - and the big one is still to come!
Black Isle-based Russell Turner is raising money for the charity Young Lives vs Cancer which has helped the family of Ailsa Fraser cope with repeated visits to and extended stays in Glasgow where she has been undergoing chemotherapy after surgery made necessary by a diagnosis of osteosarcoma last year.
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Ailsa lost an arm to bone cancer and has completed exhausting rounds of chemotherapy.
She still faces two major operations so surgeons can check tumours are really dead.
Mr Turner, whose City Limits band mate Keith Robinson is Ailsa’s mum Gayle’s partner, took on the London Landmarks Half Marathon on April 7 at the weekend - his third in five weeks.
Next up is the Virtual London Marathon, from Glen Affric to Kilmorack, in two weeks.
Russell - who admitted he was always last pick in sports teams as a child and was no friend of PE at school - went from couch to marathon man after putting his name into the ballot for the capital challenge on a whim.
After grinding it out he was bitten by the running bug and has never looked back, combining his new love with some fundraisers for causes close to his heart.
He was amongst a thong of Ross-shire runners taking on the Virtual London Marathon and said afterwards: “Despite very blustery winds, and a warm day, it was the fastest of the three.
“My final challenge, the virtual London Marathon, is in two weeks, and I'm still after people's
money!”
Russell said of the girl who is inspiring his efforts: “Despite everything she's getting used to living with only one arm – it's amazing how kids can adapt.”
He is running for the chartiy Young Lives v Cancer which help families find the strength to face everything cancer throws at them.
His justgiving page can be found at https://www.justgiving.com/page/bassman66
