Okay, I am far more passionate about food than I am running… I am a chef! In fact it would be true to say that I am a bit of a Sunday fair-weather supporter of running and I have never done any kind of formal run before, let alone a half marathon! However, I am up for the challenge and hope you will all support me in my effort to run the Glasgow Half Marathon on Sunday 6th October 2013.

I shall sacrifice my compulsory beloved Simon Howie fry-up on the morning of 6th October, forgo my dislike of running in the (inevitable) rain, do my best to complete the run in as decent a time as I can and will put a full shift in at work with legs that are killing me. If that’s not reason enough to dig deep then here’s why…

My very dear friend ‘Doctor John’ passed away on Friday 23rd August. John Raeside was an extraordinary man everyone loved and no one forgets meeting. Originally he was my GP when I lived in Partick but we became friends in the pub when I moved to Milngavie. He was a great friend to me for many years and one I miss terribly already.

Doctor John and his family have been helping the Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust for many years and have contributed to saving the lives of many people as well as animals. For if a family in Gambia has a donkey or a horse, it can plough fields, take produce to the market and support itself and the community. In memory of John, his family and friends are raising money to provide continued veterinary support and training through this great cause.

I am the son of farming parents so providing people with the resources to make a living, feed their family and contribute to a community is something I can relate to. I like the fact I will know where every penny raised will be spent as I have seen the personal letters and photos sent to John’s family over the years of their support. But most importantly to me, it was the wish of my dear friend Doctor John that money be raised in his memory.

Just to finish, I remember texting John to ask whether he wanted to come a run. His reply was “Jog on!” which I understood to be a yes – the jog is on - and duly got changed into my running gear. How he laughed!! I’m French. That’s my excuse. Besides he shouldn’t have used such polite language I don’t understand. I’ve lived in Glasgow 20+ years… and folk don’t say Jog On!!!

Thanks for your support guys.

Eric

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