Gregor Yates is five days into a long-distance run in memory of his mum. The 42-year-old is aiming to run the length of Scotland – some 420 miles – over 17 days. He is fundraising for Strathcarron Hospice, where mum Aileen spent her final days before she died in 2023.
Gregor started in Kirk Yetholm, in the south of Scotland, on May 14 and has so far run 129 miles. His finish will be Cape Wrath in the northern Highlands. He will run almost a marathon a day, day after day, and a total ascent of more than 15,000m.
The route links together several iconic Scottish trails, including St Cuthbert’s Way, the Cross Borders Drove Road, the Forth and Clyde and Union canal towpaths, the West Highland Way, the Great Glen Way and the Cape Wrath Trail.
Gregor, of Killearn, Stirlingshire, said: “It took me a few days at the start to get into the rhythm of the running but I feel good now. I’m enjoying it.”
The keen runner has his mum on his mind while he runs. Gregor said: “During the short period mum was in the hospice, the staff did everything to make sure she was comfortable, calm and at peace. Nothing was too much trouble.
“Since then, I’ve wanted to do something meaningful to honour my mum’s life and raise money for the hospice.
“This challenge is one of the hardest things I will have ever done, but I’m sure I will look back on it as one of the best.”
Gregor spent a lot of time planning the run. He will stay overnight in a different location every night and he is relying on friends and family for support. Even just keeping up with food, kit and recovery requires a lot of logistics.
But he reveals he has many reasons to keep going. Gregor said: “I am staying motivated to run a marathon each day because I am honouring my mum and raising money for Strathcarron Hospice.
“I also draw motivation from the support I am receiving and the journey itself – the daily progress, the places I pass through and the people I meet.
“In addition, I’m motivated by the sense of finishing and the relief it will bring and the perspective that comes with it.
“If people would like to sponsor me, this will motivate me even more in the toughest moments.”
Amy Petale, Strathcarron Hospice Community Fundraiser, praised Gregor. She said: “We would like to thank Gregor for taking on this incredible challenge of running the length of Scotland in memory of his mum Aileen.
“It’s a tough physical and mental challenge and we are grateful for his dedication, motivation and generosity in choosing to support Strathcarron.
“Strathcarron Hospice needs £19,452 a day to provide our vital services for palliative care and end of life patients and their loved ones. Every life matters, every gift counts.”