Olympic, European and Commonwealth medallist, Yvonne Murray MBE, became heavily involved in supporting Maggie’s after a number of close family members gained support from visiting Maggie’s Edinburgh and Maggie’s Glasgow in the face of cancer diagnoses.
 
Yvonne Murray MBE, from Lanarkshire, has worked with the charity to develop a training plan to be distributed to those taking part in various running events across the country for Maggie’s.  The plan includes motivational tips, nutritional advice, injury prevention advice and a training schedule, and can be tailored to suit individual needs.
 
In the introduction to the plan, Yvonne talks about how Maggie’s helped her family through an exceptionally challenging and life changing period.  She goes on to encourage people to sign up for an event on behalf of Maggie’s, to help the charity to continue to provide vital emotional and practical support to people with any kind of cancer at any stage of their cancer journey.
 
Maggie’s have allocated places on a number of hugely popular running events, such as the Edinburgh Marathon and the BUPA Great North Run and are the chosen charity for this year’s Men’s Health Forum Scotland 10k.
 
Yvonne Murray MBE, said:  “A number of my close relatives have been diagnosed with cancer and have received support from both Maggie’s Glasgow and Edinburgh.  I also benefited greatly from visiting the centre, as Maggie's recognise that family members of people with cancer also need support. 
 
“I would encourage people of all ages and fitness levels to sign up for whatever Maggie’s running event suits you.  You don’t have to be an Olympian to take part and I have made a running plan with Maggie’s to provide useful tips to help you along the way.  Whether a 10k or a marathon, you will be doing your bit for a charity that is truly worthwhile and makes a huge difference to families in Scotland facing the devastating impact of cancer.”
 
Henry Blake, Maggie’s Events Co-ordinator, said: “Taking part in a running event of your choice is a great way to get fit, get outside in the fresh air and improve your mental and physical wellbeing.  At the same time you can motivate yourself by signing up to raise money for Maggie’s; knowing that each step you take is helping others too.  Maggie’s rely solely upon fundraising to operate our centres.  There are a range of running events that we have allocated places in, so you can choose the challenge distance, the date and the location that suits you best.”
 
Maggie’s have places in a number of running events including:  Flora London Marathon; Albert Bartlett Edinburgh Marathon and Hairy Haggis Relay; Bupa Great North Run; Glasgow Women’s 10k; Men’s Health Forum Scotland 10k (Maggie’s is the event charity); plus places in overseas marathons in New York, Chicago and Berlin.  Furthermore, people can choose to raise funds for Maggie’s in events in which Maggie’s don’t have allocated spaces.
 
For those who prefer cycling to running, Maggie’s have places at 10 Under the Ben and are the event charity for Pedal Scotland.
 
For any information on joining Maggie’s Running Team please contact events@maggiescentres.org or 0845 602 6427 or visit www.maggiescentres.org/sporting.
 
For more media information please contact Tricia Williams on 0141 341 5678 or email Tricia.Williams@maggiescentres.org.