London Calling for Fife Woman Tackling Marathon for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland 

A Fife couple will take on the London Marathon this year to support Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland. 

Nicola Richards, and her boyfriend Declan Fielmar, will take on the 26.2-mile event next month. Nicola, who works in marketing, has fundraised for the charity before having taken part in the Forth Bridge Abseil with her mum. 

The 30-year-old said: “I started running about a year ago, but not with the intention of ever going any distance. I ran my first half marathon last year and decided that I wanted to do a full one, but because I’m not naturally a runner and I’m not naturally good at it, the only way I would do it is if I was doing it for a charity.

“It was always my intention to do it for CHSS and I’ve fundraised for CHSS for a few years. My uncle, Steven Renwick, passed away from heart complications 14 years ago and he has been my main reason for fundraising.

“My dad has been diagnosed with heart complications after we almost lost him on Hogmanay three years ago and my gran also has heart problems. So it’s a charity that means a lot to us as family and they CHSS does amazing work.” 

As well as the family ties, Nicola has added motivation for keeping up the training during the long, dark and cold nights. 

She added: “I’ve also dragged my boyfriend, Declan, into it as well. He also hadn’t run before and he’s done every single race with me so far and he’s also raising money for CHSS. 

“That has been an extra little boost for training and on the day to have him there with you. 
  

“We’re both quite competitive, so we’re trying to be better than the other! But it’s just good to have someone with you along the way.” 

To support Nicola’s fundraiser please go to www.justgiving.com/page/nicola-richards-. 

Kim Kilgour, Community, Events & Corporate Fundraiser at Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, said: “Nicola’s story is a very powerful one and a great example of the dedication, sacrifice and determination we see from selfless fundraisers every year at CHSS. 

“We wish Nicola and Declan all the best for their training and on the day of the marathon itself. 

“The money raised will help us to support the 1 in 5 people across the country who are living with chest, heart and stroke conditions and Long Covid to live their lives to the full.” 

If you’re living with the effects of a chest, heart or stroke condition or Long Covid and are looking for advice and information, please contact Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s Advice Line on 0808 801 0899. You can also text ADVICE to 66777 or email adviceline@chss.org.uk.