Woman training for Inverness Half Marathon in memory of her brother
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Amy Mackinnon is hoping to complete the Inverness Half Marathon in memory of her brother who sadly died last year.
She is hoping to raise funds for Crocus Highland – which is Highland Hospice's child bereavement service.
The charity wished her good luck and a spokesman said: "Amy is running in memory of her dear brother Chris Ross, who sadly died last year leaving behind his son Alfie who was aged seven at the time.
"Alfie is currently using the services of Crocus Group to help him through this distressing and confusing time in his life.
"The half marathon takes place the day after the anniversary of Chris's passing, and will be an emotional run for Amy.
"Thanks so much Amy, we are all wishing you well and will be behind you on the day."
Single dad Chris died suddenly from suspected heart disease in March last year aged just 39 years old.
Amy is urging others to be aware of underlying symptoms and has set up an online fundraising page.
On the page she said: "On March 11, 2022, my family and I experienced a life-changing event, where my big brother suddenly and unexpectedly lost his life to heart disease.
"After a sudden death in the family, the loss doesn't make sense and never will, the sudden shock of losing someone you love without warning is so difficult to take in. As a family, we were left with so many unanswered questions and feeling's of shock and disbelief.
"The sudden loss of Christopher has been a time of great sadness for our family. When my brother passed away, he left behind the most caring, kind, clever and unbelievably strong little boy, Alfie.
"At the age of seven, my nephew has not only lost his daddy but he has lost his best friend. Which is why I have chosen to fundraise for Crocus Highland which is a bereavement support service for children and young people living in the Highlands and a service which is currently supporting my young nephew through such a distressing and confusing time in his life.
"As his younger sister and not much of a runner, I have decided to challenge myself and run the Inverness Half Marathon on March 12, 2023, in memory of my brother and to mark a year's anniversary of his death. I know this run is going to be physically, mentally and emotionally hard for me but If I can push myself, make my brother proud and raise funds for an important cause that's all that matters."
• To donate to Amy's fundraising, please visit Just Giving.
