A north-east mother has raised over £400 for a heart and stroke charity.
Caron Mutch from Macduff was supposed to be running the London Marathon in an effort to help raise vital funds for Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland.
The event was cancelled due to Covid-19 but in an effort to raise money for the charity which she describes as being “close to her heart” she instead took part on the virtual Virgin London Marathon on at the weekend.
Ms Mutch is a branch supervisor at Scotmid store in Macduff and this year Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland, is the stores charity partner. However, she also had personal reasons for wanting to raise funds for this charity.
“My son was diagnosed with a hole in his heart and had to have a major operation when he was four, he is 13 now and you would never know apart from a scar on his body.”
She said: “My father-in-law sadly died suddenly of a heart attack not long after we got married and I know lots of friends that have suffered strokes, some surviving and some sadly not.
“It means a great deal to me to run this marathon to help raise vital funds so that other people can get the help and support that they need.”
Ms Mutch ran 32 miles from Scotmid Fochabers to Scotmid Macduff, with pit stops at Buckie and Banff.
The 47-year-old planned to run 28 miles but due to flooding, she had to run an extra four miles.
Assistant fundraising director, Gillian Green said “the money raised from Caron’s challenge will ensure that people and their families get the right help and support that they need when they need it most. ”
Donations can still be made online by searching ‘Caron’s Virtual 2020 Virgin Money London Marathon (and a bit!)’ on www.justgiving.com