A devoted daughter has raised a huge sum for charity by running the London Marathon after being inspired by her brave Ayrshire dad who suffers from Motor Neuron Disease (MND).
Linda Hunter, formerly of Irvine, raised a whopping £9,250, and finished the grueling 26-mile race in just four hours and 28 minutes on Sunday, October 3.
She was inspired to raise money for MND Scotland and MND Association after her dad Robert Green, 72, of Irvine was diagnosed with the incurable disease in August 2019.
"Dad was delighted when I shared the news I was going to run the London Marathon to raise funds for MND charities," Linda said.
"It was an emotional run and I shed a few tears at the start remembering I was doing this for my dad and for all the supporters who kindly contributed.
"And tears of joy after crossing the finish line."
MND is an uncommon condition that affects the brain and nerves and causes weakness that worsens over time.
MND can significantly shorten life expectancy and, unfortunately, eventually leads to death.
This is the second diagnosis of MND in Linda's family after losing her aunt June Holland in 2004 to the disease.
Linda added: "Dad has limited mobility now and is supported by Ayrshire Hospice for respite breaks.
"We lost my mum's sister to MND so as a family we know what the road ahead. Dad is very supportive about raising funds to the research into the disease, which currently has no cure."
This was Linda's second go at the London Marathon, first running in April for the British Heart Foundation in memory of her aunt Sylvia in four hours and 36 minutes.
The accountant, who now resides in Helensburgh, was ecstatic to smash her first record, shaving 8 minutes.
"I was so happy to get that time off as I had always hoped to run a marathon is less than four hours and 30 minutes.
She said: "I came to running later in life and started with the 'walk to a lamp post, run to a lamp post' trick. I decided I wanted to increase my fitness level and be able to keep up with my daughter, who is now 13.
"It's amazing to have beat my record because the chances of me doing one again anytime soon is quite slim."
Linda trained for 16 weeks five days a week to prepare for the mammoth race ahead.
"In some ways, the second marathon was scarier because I knew what I was in for.
"I hit the 'runners wall' around mile 15 but I knew my supporters would be waiting for me at mile 23 and I focus a lot psychologically to make it to that milestone.
"I burst in to tears when I saw them all cheering me on and gave everyone a big hug.
"At home, I usually run with friends, and even though you at the marathon you're surrounded by people, you really are in it alone.
"It was tough, but crossing the finish line and the knowing we had raised so much money gave me such a sense of pride."
The funds were raised in part by the help of Linda's Irvine-based friends and family who took part in a fundraiser walk at the town's beach park, earlier this summer.
And even Robert joined everyone at the event held in June.
A thankful Linda said: "I chose to do a sponsored walk because it was Covid friendly, with staggered start times, home bakes for sale, tea's coffees, and a tombola.
"My dad could join in too, which was lovely.
"I also held a race night in Helensburgh with 60 people.
"Those two events helped raise around £5,000 of the total funds raised.
"The rest were made up by donations on Justgiving who I can't thank enough for their support.
"I want to thank all my family and friends and everyone who supported me personally and who supported me with fundraising."
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