An Inverness woman is going the extra mile for charity RASASH by running the San Francisco marathon on July 24
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Nóirín Ní Ghiollagáin (22) moved to Silicon Valley to work as a neuromuscular clinical research coordinator in the Stanford School of Medicine after graduating from the University of Glasgow last year.
She has never run a marathon before, but wanted to help out the charity which provides crucial support for survivors of sexual violence and abuse.
RASASH is the only service of its kind in the Highlands and offers a range of support.
Miss Ghiollagáin said: “RASASH is a charity that I hold near and dear to my heart. They are an incredible service that delivers effective psychological treatment to survivors of rape and sexual assault.
“What I appreciate most about RASASH is that they do not turn anyone away who seeks their service. Moreover, their clients may continue to use their services for as long as they deem necessary.
“RASASH is the only trauma-based therapy service that serves the Highlands, which is why they are so vital to our community.”
She has been training five days a week with a mixture of running sessions and strength training.
Miss Ghiollagáin added: “The biggest challenge for me might be walking back to the car after I’ve finished the race. All joking aside, I would like to finish the race with a time that I’m happy with, and a time that well represents all the amazing work that the RASASH team do on a daily basis.”
Romy Rehfeld, manager at RASASH, said: “We are incredibly grateful that Nóirín has chosen to fundraise for RASASH and help raise awareness of our organisation’s work – even as far away as America.
“Every donation will help us to provide emotional and practical support to survivors of sexual violence in the Highlands.
“The team at RASASH will be cheering Nóirín on and wishing her the best of luck as she runs the marathon.”
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