Family matters - Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland

FUNDRAISINGRolling out the barrelHardy boys: whisky workers Bob McPherson (left) and Nick Webster (right) and their friend Richard Thompson, allfrom Keith, dressed in mini-kilts to trundle their way through the Glenlivet estate to raise funds for CHSS.AS IF running ten kilometres wasn’ttough enough, try pushing a 200-litre American oak whisky cask alongthe way.Admittedly, there was no whiskyin it at the time but it’s still quite anachievement, as fellow participants inthis year’s Glenlivet event werequick to acknowledge.The 411 runners were treated toDan’s in the running for CHSSCOVER STORY: A DEESIDE heart surgerypatient has entered Run Balmoral to raisemoney for CHSS.Dan Clarke, of Banchory, who works as aforensic scientist, will take part in the six-mile raceto raise money for CHSS as a tribute to themedical care which has helped him recover fromserious illness a number of times during the lastfive years. “Training is going very well so far. I’vedone three-mile runs three times a week so I’mpretty happy,” said 34-year-old Dan.The outdoors enthusiast suffered a serious head injuryfive years ago after falling on a trip to the cinema and hebeautiful blue skies as they madetheir way through the stunninglandscape of the Glenlivet Estate inthe Cairngorms National Park,following quiet country roads whichmeander around the River Livet,passing ancient castles and enjoyingamazing views of this secret glen.The 10k was an outstandingsuccess which raised around£12,000 for CHSS. The event Startand Finish facilities are all based atthe Glenlivet Distillery who verykindly support the event as do thelocal community.Runners came from all over theUK plus two ladies from AlabamaUSA who received a special prize forgetting up so early to come along…ended up in a drug-induced coma in Aberdeen RoyalInfirmary. He has since had major heart surgery afteran aneurysm was discovered and now he has aspecialised graft replacing the beginning of his aorta.More recently, Dan has developed epilepsy.“I am acutely aware of all the medical careallowing me to still be here, and fit and well. I wantto give something back having taken so muchmedically and surgically and to raise awareness inthe community. My target is £1,500 and I havealmost reached that already. The physical target is also abig one for me too.” To sponsor Dan visitwww.justgiving.com/ danieljclarke11