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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Abbie Meehan

Edinburgh gran set to run first ever marathon in honour of Doddie Weir Foundation

A grandmother from Edinburgh is set to take on her first ever marathon, after catching the 'running bug' while taking part in a 5km run with her son.

Nancy Morrison, 69, first embarked on her journey alongside her son Richard, 43, as she took part in a charity run at Holyrood Park in the capital.

After her first run, son Michael, 40, said that she felt "like she could run another 5km easily" - and that's what she did.

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The Edinburgh-born woman, who is originally from Leith, started signing up for park runs and other activities after she realised she enjoyed the hobby.

However, lockdown hit, and the majority of these events were cancelled - but that didn't stop Nancy.

Clocking up mile after mile during the coronavirus pandemic, the grandmother decided that she would take the next big step and sign up for the Edinburgh Marathon.

Now, the 69-year-old is prepared to take on the 26.2-mile journey, and her son Michael spoke to Edinburgh Live about the pride she has brought to the family with her new-found hobby.

Speaking to Edinburgh Live, Michael said: "We're all so proud of her and what she's doing, we always used to wonder where Richard got his fitness streak from.

"My brother has always been into running, and has raised a lot of money for the Doddie Weir Foundation, which is a charity we all hold very close to our hearts.

Nancy began her running career later on in life. (Submitted)

"When my mum realised that she enjoyed running, it was a surprise to all of us. She can just go and go, and even though she's a little nervous for the marathon, we'll all be there cheering her on.

"There isn't a lot of people in her age category - I mean, there can't be many grannies running in a marathon - so she isn't thinking about where she'll place or anything like that.

"She's just happy to be taking part and being able to say that she's done it, all the while raising money for the Foundation."

Michael also reminisced about the first ever run Nancy embarked on, and noted that even she "didn't think she had it in her to run all that distance."

The 40-year-old added: "She was only about 65 at the time, and my brother was running it as well so she thought, I may as well give it a go.

"Now we're here, and we cannot wait to be cheering her on from the sidelines as she achieves such an amazing thing."

You can donate to Nancy's JustGiving page here, and all the proceeds will go to the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation.

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