Mini Marathon gives student the chance to say thanks to charity supporting her mum
A Glasgow Caledonian University student will take on a mini marathon this summer to help raise funds for an Irish cancer support group.
Third year BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy student Grace Masterson wanted to show her gratitude to Cuan Cancer Support Centre, who have provided emotional and wellbeing assistance to her mum and family over the last two years.
The charity, who are based in the town of Cavan, helped Grace’s family adapt to the different challenges a cancer diagnosis can bring.
Grace said: “My mum was told she had stage three bowel cancer in summer 2021. She felt like she didn’t have support because she had just been diagnosed and was then going in straight away to get chemotherapy. It was really hard for her.
“We first heard about Cuan through other cancer patients. It’s an incredible place where people can discuss any issues they’re having with others who are going through a similar thing. They also get the chance to socialise together and there is even financial and employment advice available.”
The support of the charity made Grace’s decision to start University that little bit easier.
“I was at home in Ireland at the time of the original diagnosis. I was due to be moving to Scotland in the September and that was a really hard decision because I wanted to be there for her. I was also conscious that I was basically leaving my sister alone with my mum, so I felt bad and felt like I had to protect her.
“Having Cuan there to help us made such a difference and meant that we didn’t feel like we were going through it all alone.”
Since her move to Scotland, Grace has been comforted by the support Cuan have offered her family.
She explained: “It’s not just for the cancer patient, it’s for family members or anyone they know. My sister went along and loved it. They have yoga, reflexology, and other therapeutic programmes to help you take a step back and have some time to yourself.
“It’s a small charity and they are the only one in Ireland doing what they do. I don’t think any of us would have been able to cope without them, so I realised I had to show my thanks in some way.”
Despite being more than 250 miles from home, Grace knew she could make a start on positively impacting the charity from the other side of the Irish Sea.
At the start of this year, she bought herself a pair of running shoes and is currently building her fitness up to compete in the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon back home this summer.
She explained: “Vhi is a health insurance company and they’re holding the event on the 4th of June this year. It is the largest mini marathon for women in Ireland. People can participate for personal enjoyment or to raise money for charity.
“The race is 10km in total and I’m currently managing 3km. It’s not great but I’m hoping to get plenty more practice with the lighter nights coming in. My aim is to do it in under an hour, but we’ll just have to wait and see.
“I’m going to run it on my own but my mum, my sister and my boyfriend will all be cheering on from the sidelines, which will be nice.”
Grace has already managed to raise €760 in just two weeks and hopes to hit €1000 before she crosses the finish line this summer.
She said: “I’m not going to lie, the training hasn’t been easy but I’m very determined! It can be hard finding the time with coursework but knowing you have to go to a run is a nice feeling.
“It’s good to get out and get away from the books and laptop. The blisters and aches will definitely be worth it!”
Grace added: “The most rewarding thing is knowing I’m making a difference to those who are going through the same thing as my family.”
You can donate to Grace’s fundraiser here - https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/GraceMasterson
By Ross Clark
Got an SHLS or GSBS story? Email me at Ross.Clark@gcu.ac.uk or message me on Twitter