Two Aberdeen business people pushed themselves further than ever before while completing the Balmoral 10K race in aid of a local sensory charity.
For Yvette Rayner and Chris Watson, both 48, the race was nothing new – but both of them wanted to achieve a personal best.
Mrs Rayner, who works at Frasermedia, had only run the 5K race before so was determined to make it across the finishing line of the 10K in any time possible.
Her running partner Mr Watson, who works at EthosEnergy, had completed the 10K before and so this time was aiming to complete the course in a quicker time than before.
The pair were both successful in achieving their goals when the race went ahead on Saturday, April 25.
And more importantly, they collected a total of £4,393 for their chosen charity in the process.
The prime motivating factor in pushing them on the desire to raise money for North East Sensory Services (NESS).
Both had been involved with the group through their jobs and were impressed with the support it provides to 4,500 people in the north-east who have impairments in hearing and sight.
Mrs Rayner said the charity’s efforts were all the inspiration she needed to get herself through training and the run itself.
She said: “I have been thinking about attempting the famous Balmoral 10K hill for a while, and deciding to do it to raise money for NESS was the push I needed.
“Chris aimed to get a new time but for me getting over the line was enough and I’m really happy to have achieved this target.
“NESS is a truly inspirational organisation which provides vital support for local people.”
Mr Watson added: “I completed the Balmoral 10K in 56 minutes and 53 seconds which is a new course personal best for me in spite of having a bit of hamstring pain and some interesting weather.
“I am very pleased with my time and even more pleased with the generous donations people have made.
“We both decided to push ourselves because of our involvement with NESS.
“They are such inspirational people who achieve so much despite their disabilities.”
He was modest about his achievement, pointing out that others had pushed themselves even further in the name of supporting the charity.
He said: “A team from NESS, including two people with visual impairments, climbed Kilimanjaro last year, so the Balmoral 10K hill didn’t seem so bad in comparison.”
NESS chief executive Graham Findlay said his team was exceptionally grateful for the pair’s backing.
He said: “NESS depends upon fundraising and donations to help us run the vital services we offer, so we were delighted that Chris and Yvette ran the Balmoral 10K for NESS.
“Every penny counts and we are always extremely grateful for the generosity of our friends and volunteers.”
The pair are still collecting donations. Go to www.justgiving.come/ChrisWatson-EthosEnergy.