East Kilbride man to run Berlin Marathon for charity that supported family after dad's stroke

An East Kilbride man will take on the Berlin Marathon in aid of a charity that has supported his family since his father had a life-changing stroke a decade ago.

Alasdair MacArthur will run the world-famous marathon on Sunday, September 27 in aid of Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland. He said the charity’s support meant “a great deal” to the family.

The 38-year-old civil servant said: “In August 2015, my dad had a life-changing stroke while working overseas. When he returned home and was in hospital at Hairmyres, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s nurses spoke to my family about what to expect and the support available. That advice and reassurance meant a great deal to us at a very difficult time.

“Sadly, my dad passed away the following year after suffering another stroke, but I have always wanted to give something back in recognition of the support we received.

“Since then, I've taken part in several fundraising events for the charity and the Berlin Marathon felt like another great opportunity to raise funds and help other families facing similar circumstances.”

Since Scott passed, Alasdair has taken part in a series of fundraising challenges for the charity. He ran the London Marathon in 2018 through a CHSS charity place, completed the Great Scottish Run half marathon, organised a fundraising event, and most recently ran the Edinburgh Marathon in 2024.

Now he is set to add the Berlin Marathon to that growing list of achievements and he said he was keen to continue giving back to the lifeline charity.

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Alasdair said: “It’s my way of giving back for all the support and advice the charity gave us, and of helping other people and families in similar circumstances.

“I’m running Berlin next Sunday using my own place, but I thought it would be another opportunity to raise funds for the charity.”

Julianne Scarlett, Fundraising Events Assistant at CHSS, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Alasdair for his continued support of CHSS and for taking on the challenge of the Berlin Marathon.

“After experiencing first-hand the impact that stroke can have on an individual and their loved ones, Alasdair has chosen to turn that experience into something positive by helping raise funds for others who may be facing similar challenges.

“Every pound raised helps us provide vital support, information and advice to the 1 in 5 people living with chest, heart and stroke and Long Covid conditions across Scotland. We wish Alasdair the very best of luck in Berlin and thank everyone who supports his fundraising efforts.”

To support Alasdair's fundraiser, visit: www.justgiving.com/page/alasdair-macarthur-8.