For Fiona Tweedie, a reluctant begin has become a lifelong ardour for operating, which is able to see her embark on her greatest race but, following within the footsteps of Saint Cuthbert on a journey that can allow her to help younger folks in Togo.
Fiona first laced up her trainers about 5 years in the past when she began the “Sofa to 5k” program to help a member of the family. Beginning slowly on native hills and trails, she was shocked to find a love for operating that progressed to extremely distances—races over the usual marathon distance of 26.2 miles (or 42.2 km).
“I used to be at all times the final particular person on the varsity gymnasium groups and I solely began operating a number of years in the past. I'm not quick in any respect however I wish to run up hills, slowly, lengthy distances,” mentioned Fiona.
“It's a time to be with God and away from different distractions. I see lovely views within the Pentland Hills close to my residence and take heed to the birds and marvel at God's creation.”
Fiona's different passions in life embrace supporting younger folks, particularly those that didn’t have the best begin in life. Along with Compassion UK, Fiona and her household have touched numerous lives around the globe.
“We had two young children on the time and wished them to know the lives of different youngsters around the globe. Through the years we sponsored one thing like 30 youngsters from everywhere in the world – at one level 'the solar by no means set' (because the British Empire used to say) on to our 'household'.”
Fiona discovered a technique to mix these two passions, committing to run 500km from Might to July for the kid growth charity Compassion UK and utilizing the cash raised by way of the generosity of sponsors to assist a venture to construct a youth heart in Togo's capital. , Damaged. Togo (formally the Republic of Togo), a rustic in West Africa, stretches 500 km from north to south, which impressed Fiona's chosen distance.
“I ran the Glen Lyon 50k extremely on June 1st, however my huge problem would be the St Cuthbert's Approach extremely on July twenty first. It runs from Melrose Abbey to Lindisfarne – simply over 66 miles or 100km alongside Cuthbert's Approach.”
Inextricably linked to Northumbria, Cuthbert of Lindisfarne was a monk, bishop and hermit who was famend for his journeys to help native communities. Tireless as an itinerant priest spreading the Christian message to distant villages, Cuthbert grew to become often known as “Britain's Wonderworker” for his many healings. For Fiona, her journey will give her the possibility to supply very important academic alternatives to the youngsters of Togo, a mission the holy man would little question smile at.
“I was a college lecturer and I understand how essential training is in younger folks's lives. However a lot of them can't go on due to an absence of sources or entry to the sources they want,” Fiona mentioned.
“I do know that younger ladies and women are particularly deprived and I wished to do one thing to assist them. I actually hope that we increase sufficient as a workforce and that the Jeremiah Middle can help many younger folks in increased training and a greater future for for college kids and for nation.”
Fiona hopes that folks is not going to solely be part of her on this venture by sponsoring her run, but additionally think about supporting a baby by way of Compassion.
“It's an effective way so as to add one other 'brother' or 'sister' to your loved ones, for youths to find out about how different folks around the globe reside – our youngsters shared their hopes and fears about getting into highschool with our youngsters when have been at that stage.”
“You make an incredible, unbelievable distinction in a baby's life by way of the native church in that place.”
