Dozens of supporters step up to join Perth dad Alan Glynn on charity exercise and running challenges in 2023

Perth’s Alan Glynn has got his sights on the charity running season ahead with a Perth company stepping up to sponsor his Team Alexis Rose marathon squad.

Craigie dad Alan has set himself an athletic challenge for this year -12ARC 2023 - to mark the 12-year anniversary of the passing from meningitis of Alexis Rose, the beautiful 19 month-old daughter he had with wife Ruth.

Since the tragic events of 2011, when the Glynn's toddler suddenly died, Alan has gone all out to raise vital awareness of meningitis in support of the charity Meningitis Now.

Alan’s challenge, taking him up to February next year, is to complete 12 fitness activities a month for 12 months.

Some great news for Alan is that from February 5, 2023 to 2025, Team Alexis Rose will be sponsored by Perth’s JBC Joiners.

Billy Carle (left) owner of JBC Joiners with Alan Glynn and the Team Alexis Rose shirt in Perth (Perthshire Advertiser)

“Since the sad death of our wee girl Alexis, Jimmy Carle and Billy Carle and family have supported Team Alexis Rose in raising awareness of meningitis and in the many charity fundraising events and races over the years. Thank you very much for your years of support for Team Alexis Rose and Meningitis Now,” said Alan.

He’s not doing it alone and people from Perth and other places are encouraged to do a walk, run, trip to the gym, fitness class, swim or cycle for any length of time or distance.

“Make it as challenging for yourself as you like, but the main thing is to complete your 12 a month,” he told supporters recently. “Any extra activities are a bonus.

“Post your first month’s activities on the WhatsApp group chat by March 5.

“This can be through photos or work out apps or a note to say what you did. We will share on Instagram who has completed that month with activities.”

So far 60 people have signed up and Alan hopes more will give the 12 month exercise challenge some serious commitment.

“I am doing the Meadows 10k and a Glencoe half marathon,” he explained to the PA.

Alan added: “Also, in total, running and other challenges, we have about 60 amazing team members this year.”

The first event of 2023 was the Last Mince Pie 5k in Perth on January 2.

Then four more events before Alan went running with his daughter Christina on February 5 at Glasgow Green in the 5k Winter Warmer and half marathon.

Team Alexis Rose at the Winter Warmer 5k and half marathon at Glasgow Green on February 5 when Perth dad and meningitis charity runner Alan Glynn (left) was joined by his 13 year-old daughter Christina (centre behind banner) (unknown)

There were 11 runners for Team Alexis Rose. Alan did the 5k with Christina, surviving twin sister of Alexis.

There was the Glentress 10k Trail Race on February 18 then, on March 12, 12ARC23 members look forward to competing in the Callander 10k.

The list of future fixtures is huge: The London Landmark half marathon is on April 2 and some people may head to France for the Paris Marathon on the same day.

Manchester Marathon is on April 16, Balmoral 15-mile trail race is on April 23 and the Strathclyde Half Marathon is on April 30.

Events in May include the May Arisaig Road to the Isles Marathon (May 6), Loch Leven Half Marathon (May 13), Leeds Marathon (May 14) and then the Edinburgh Half Marathon (May 26).

Stirling 10k is on September 10, Loch Ness Marathon, River Ness 10k and 5k are on October 1. The Falkirk Half Marathon takes place on November 19.

All sponsorship money will be welcomed at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/19arc