“This one’s for you dad”: Kieran’s Christmas Eve marathon challenge 08 April 2021 For years, Kieran Fraser and his dad Neil planned to run a marathon together. But when Neil suffered a stroke at the age of just 52 in September 2021, Kieran decided to run the marathon on his own – and raised thousands for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland. The 21-year-old, from Inverness, completed his epic challenge on Christmas Eve and has so far raised £1,900 from supporters. The final-year student at Aberdeen University had just returned to university in September when he got the worrying news from home about his Dad. He was able to see his Dad immediately after the stroke, but Covid-19 restrictions have kept them apart for months. Kieran said: “It’s been a very difficult time for us all, but as Dad slowly improves, so do we in the hope he will make a full recovery. “Not being able to visit has been difficult for me, and I have felt very helpless not being there for him. But I never forgot about our plans to run a marathon one day. So I decided that it was something I could do to help not only him but many other families who have been going through the same thing. Kieran decided to tackle the epic marathon challenge after his dad suffered a stroke at the age of just 52. All photos in this article are supplied courtesy of Highland News & Media Ltd. “I wanted to raise funds for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland. My Granny has had two strokes, and I know the charity has really helped her and how much she appreciates their help.” The Fraser men are both huge sports fans, particularly football, and have travelled all over the UK to watch games. They have shared walks and runs with their collie Corran and talked of their dream to complete a marathon together many times. Kieran said: “It was something we wanted to do together. We were both really fit. I was playing football four or five times a week, but I tore a cartilage in my right knee. Then Dad injured his back. So any plans to run had to be put on hold while we recovered. “But we still talked about this run, we never gave up on our dream. I had to run through the pain barrier, but that was nothing compared to the pain thousands of families go through every year. “So, Dad, this one’s for you!” Kieran chose to run on Christmas Eve because of how important that day is to families. He explained: “I’ve always been taught that Christmas is a time for family. All our family and friends have been amazing and supported us all, and that means a lot. It’s support like this that keeps me going when I run, that and thoughts of my Dad.” “I had to run through the pain barrier, but that was nothing compared to the pain thousands of families go through every year.” Jane-Claire Judson, Chief executive at Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, thanked Kieran for his tremendous fundraising efforts, saying: “It’s people like Kieran, who take on these amazing challenges, that make an enormous difference to those living in Scotland with chest, heart and stroke conditions. “The money raised from Kieran’s marathon will ensure that people and their families get the right help and support when they need it most. Thank you so much to Kieran and everyone who supported him. We are extremely grateful for your efforts.” If you fancy tackling a marathon or fundraising challenge to raise money and help people across Scotland live their lives to the full, please visit chss.org.uk/fundraise