Busby mum-of-six is running a marathon every week in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support

Claire Kinloch Anderson (55), who runs her own film and video production company, felt she had to do something to help the charity, at a time when they are struggling to fundraise due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Claire said: “A couple of weeks ago I virtually produced a few videos for Macmillan and it made me realise how much this amazing charity needs our support during these times.

“They support people living with cancer so well and their funds are severely cut just now. I’m not qualified to nurse or work as a doctor but I can run.

“I have six kids and they are all at home just now so it’s a very busy house. My eldest has just turned 21 and my youngest is 10, there’s a lot going on at home, so the running helps get me out the house.

“I’ve only ever ran one marathon before and I have done a lot of 10 kilometre runs. I’m a tennis coach at the local tennis club and have been for over 20 years, so I do keep myself fit.

“When the lockdown came along I just thought – what else am I going to do? I’ll just keep running and it’s all for a good cause.”

Trying to get the family to join in and help her with the challenge, Claire said: “I’m averaging my runs out throughout the week, to give myself at least one day of rest. I’ve been trying to get some of my family to join me. My husband is really fit so he has been coming along occasionally and keeping me company.

My 17-year-old has ran with me on the running track, but of course keeps lapping me. My 12-year-old has also been out on a few runs – they’re all helping to keep me going.

“I live in Busby so I’m right on the edge of the countryside. There are loads of small roads around me, so I can change my route every day. I’m really glad I’m doing this, despite the days I’m a little sore. If it helps raise funds for Macmillan then I’m happy - the work they do is phenomenal.”

Fundraising Manager Julia Perrie said: “This really is an unbelievable effort from Claire, to keep such a tight running schedule in order to run a marathon every week. She’s on her fifth marathon now and determined to keep going until lockdown – it’s very impressive.

“I want to thank her for raising funds for Macmillan during a time when our fundraising has taken a huge downturn. She’s most certainly an inspiration and we’re behind her all the way. Thank you very much Claire, keep going, you’re amazing!”

At a time where Macmillan’s support is needed more than ever before, it is also facing a significant drop in its income and the truth is that it can’t continue to be there for people who need them without the support of the public.

Macmillan is doing everything it can to help address the immediate and unique challenges that having cancer during this pandemic brings but it needs support. Donations are vital to enable Macmillan to continue to be there for people living with cancer.

If you would like to donate to Claire’s Just Giving page, please visit JustGiving Claire Anderson