A north-east woman who struggled with drug addiction and eating disorders is preparing to take on a marathon to raise cash for a charity that helps people across the country to overcome their own problems.
Glenda Burton, from Peterhead, is currently training hard ahead of the Edinburgh Marathon at the end of May.
Ms Burton is taking on the run to fundraise for Teen Challenge North East Scotland.
All of the money raised by Ms Burton will go towards the organisation’s two recovery homes in the north-east, the Benaiah women’s home near Mintlaw and the men’s centre Sunnybrae near Fyvie.
Ms Burton’s running record currently stands at 13 miles, so she said she will require a great deal of training to complete the 26-mile marathon in Edinburgh on May 27.
She said: “Having suffered from various addictions myself, from drug abuse to eating disorders, I know the devastating impact it can have on your own life and your family and friend’s lives.
“My faith has set me free from many things, as well as helping me overcome insecurities and fears.
“I have been keen to run a full marathon for a few years now and I thought what better reason to do it than for a charity that is close to my heart.”
The charity’s two recovery homes offer the people it supports a peaceful, rural setting where they can work to rebuild their lives away from addictive substances through counselling the opportunity to study courses.
Gordon Cruden, area manager of Teen Challenge North East Scotland, said: “We’re very proud of Glenda and will be cheering her on as she tackles the Edinburgh Marathon.
“We’re also extremely grateful that she has chosen to raise funds to help us in our work to see more and more men and women leave the misery of addiction behind them to start fresh, clean lives.”
Ms Burton added: “I am aware that running this marathon is in no way going to be easy, and I am already dedicated to a training plan to help me be prepared physically and mentally but I know from experience that having people support you goes a long way to carrying you over the finish line, so please take a moment to help me to help them by donating to this cause.”
Anyone wishing to donate to Ms Burton’s cause can visit www.justgiving.com and search for Glenda Burton.
