Mum's joy as friends and family step up to help raise cash for son's life-changing op
IT could be the best decision you ever make and it could save you a bit of cash. Have you signed up for the Ignis Asset Management Women's 10K yet?
The Evening Times has teamed up with organisers Glasgow Life to offer our readers a special extended discount period – but you'll have to be quick.
Snap up a discounted place before midnight next Wednesday and join in the UK's biggest all-women road race in Bellahouston Park on May 13.
All you have to do is enter the code TIMES10K at www.runglasgow.gov.uk and you will pay just £20 for the 10K or £35 if you sign up for both the 10K and the Great Scottish Run 10K in September.
Lots of women walk, jog or run the route to take part to raise money for good causes.
One young mum is over the moon because her friends and family are pulling on their trainers to help her son have a life-changing operation.
Naomi Miller still cannot quite believe what everyone is prepared to do for her wee boy, Ross.
The 23-year-old from Baillieston is watching, in awe, as her sister Leonni gets into shape for her first ever women's 10K.
"Leonni isn't into running, but she is going to do the Ignis Asset Management Women's 10K for me – for Ross," says Naomi, with a shake of her head. "Everyone has been so great, helping us to raise money, and giving us such a lot of support. It's wonderful."
Ross, 3, has hemiplegic cerebral palsy and his parents are trying to raise £45,000 to send him to America for a life-changing operation.
As the Evening Times revealed recently, family, friends and colleagues have rallied to help Naomi and her partner Ross send their little boy to the St Louis Children's Hospital in Missouri.
At the moment, Ross can't walk properly, or ride a scooter or play football.
The selective dorsal rhizotomy surgery in America will hopefully allow him to run and play like other children.
"It will involve five weeks in America for the operation and follow-ups and then continued physiotherapy at home for several months – all of which will cost about £45,000," says Naomi.
"It's a big task, but we want to do what we can. If we raise the money in time, we could go over in the summer.
"I'm so grateful to everyone who is helping us. It means a lot."
Around 20 women are getting together to take part in the run on May 13, of which the Evening Times is media partner, including Leonni and Naomi's mum Margaret.
The current total is £13,700 so to find out more or to make a donation – or to join the team running for Ross, visit http://therightstepforross.co.uk/
SHEBAHN'S DIARY: WEEK FIVE
Shebahn Littlejohn, 21, Clyde One travel reporter, is writing a women's 10K diary for the Evening Times. You can also keep up to date with her on Twitter @shebahn.
This week, Shebahn enjoys the sunshine and celebrates making it to the halfway mark.
The last few days have been perfect for running – when the sun is out it's easier to don the running gear and go for a casual jog to get some fresh air and a Glasgow tan.
I'm starting to find running easier and more enjoyable. If you are putting in the work, then hopefully you'll be feeling the same.
Getting to the halfway point seems like a bit of an achievement, doesn't it?
I'm looking forward to the 5K run organised by the Running Network in Bellahouston Park at the end of this month.
It'll be a good goal to complete and it'll give me an idea of my time for the 10K. Why don't you join me?
I've also managed to get a team together for race day. My mum, sisters, aunts, cousins and friends have all signed up to take part.
A few of them, like my mum, aren't into running, so they are planning to walk.
They just want to be involved and enjoy the day. If you don't feel up to running, why not walk it?
With the women's 10K, it's the taking part that counts.
HOW TO ENTER
Sign up now at www.runglasgow.org or telephone 0845 270 0166.
Quote the special discount code TIMES10K and get £7 off the standard cost of entering the Ignis Asset Management Women's 10K, or £14 off if you enter both the 10K and the Bank of Scotland Great Scottish Run 10K in September.
Extended discount is only available until midnight next Wednesday.
TRAINING PROGRAMME
Week 5: April 2-8
This easy plan should take you from being a complete novice to comfortably completing the 10K in 10 weeks.
Monday: Jog for 15 mins
Tuesday: Rest
Wednesday: Jog for 17 mins
Thursday: Rest
Friday: Jog for 20 mins
Saturday: Rest
Sunday: 25-30 min alternate walk/jog