A first-time dad and ultra marathon enthusiast has run from Glasgow to Aberdeen – the equivalent of six marathons – to raise money for two Scottish charities.
30-year-old Andrew Smith and his partner 23-year-old Nancie Mead received support from both The Archie Foundation and Ronald McDonald House Glasgow when their son Louie was born prematurely and found to have an extremely rare genetic condition.
Andrew, who lives in Peterhead but is originally from Fraserburgh, has now raised more than £30,000 for the two children’s charities by completing the epic 165-mile challenge, which took just over 37 hours in total.
Andrew, Jamie and Louie
The epic challenge was inspired by baby Louie, who was born prematurely last September, at 28 weeks. Louie spent the first 159 days of his life in hospital, spending time in both Aberdeen and Glasgow.
The support Andrew and Nancie received from The Archie Foundation and Ronald McDonald House Glasgow inspired the avid runner to run from Glasgow to Aberdeen.
Andrew said: “When Nancie and I discovered we were having a baby we had no idea just how challenging the first few months of being parents would be. The help we got from The Archie Foundation and Ronald McDonald House Glasgow made the world of difference to us.
“Being able to stay near Louie while he was receiving vital care in hospital was incredibly important, it meant we were on hand and could spend as much time as possible with him. It was important to me to give back to the charities that did so much for us.
“Combining my passion for running with the two locations where Louie spent his first few months was an easy decision to make. I’m absolutely delighted to have raised nearly £30,000 for The Archie Foundation and Ronald McDonald House Glasgow.”
Andrew, Louie and Nancie
Keen runner Andrew originally set off from Glasgow on June 1, intending to run the 165 miles to Aberdeen without stopping. He successfully ran 84 miles (135km) but was forced to stop near Errol in Perthshire in the early hours of Sunday, June 2 due to health issues that resulted in him being admitted to hospital.
Andrew has since recovered, and overnight on Friday, September 13, as determined as ever, he completed the remaining 81 miles needed to cover the distance from Glasgow to Aberdeen.
He was welcomed back to the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital on Saturday morning by a team of supporters.
Andrew said: “As cliché as it sounds, during an ultra-marathon, you're constantly reminded of why you're running and what the money you raise will support. That thought inspired me to keep going, knowing the funds would help two incredible charities.
“For anyone looking to raise money for charity, it doesn’t matter whether the event is big or small, or even a little crazy, having a purpose is enough. Charities rely on that support to continue the amazing work they do.”
Paula Cormack, chief executive of The Archie Foundation said: “We are often in awe of the people who choose to raise funds for us, and never more so than in Andrew’s case. He was absolutely driven to achieve his goal and raise as much money as possible for us and Ronald McDonald House Glasgow and pushed himself to the limit.
“We are delighted that he has now achieved his goal of covering the distance from Glasgow to Aberdeen and that he has raised such a significant amount of money which will help us to provide similar support to other families in need.”
Ken Simpson, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Glasgow, said: “I can only imagine the self-discipline and determination required to achieve this incredible running challenge and there aren't enough words to express our heartfelt gratitude for everything that Andrew has done to help raise vital funds and awareness of Ronald McDonald House Glasgow.
“Ronald McDonald House Glasgow is an independent Scottish charity that support parents, carers and wider families of seriously ill children that are receiving medical treatment at the world-renowned Glasgow Children’s Hospital,” he added.
“We provide accommodation to help keep families together just a short walk away from the hospital, and families from across Scotland rely on the service we provide. We solely rely on the generous donations of individual supporters like Andrew, corporate partnerships, trusts and foundations and community groups to be able to continue to here for families today, tomorrow and in the future.”
To donate to Andrew’s fundraising pot, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/andrews-big-run-for-louie