STARS of hit Scottish band Deacon Blue joined hundreds of SCIAF supporters at the charity’s 6k Family Fun Run to raise funds for disadvantaged countries.
Singers Ricky Ross and Lorraine McIntosh crossed the finish line with their dog Alfie in tow at Strathclyde Country Park in Motherwell on Saturday to share the journey and show solidarity with millions of poor families around the world who are forced to walk for hours in search of food and water, or flee across continents to safety.
Ricky said: “SCIAF’s 6k was absolutely brilliant and taking part really makes you feel like you’re making a difference to the lives of the poorest people in the world.
“The sun was shining and everyone had great fun. One of the charms of this run is the fact that we were able to bring our dog Alfie and he loved it, then we were running past mums and dads with their sons and daughters, and people walking with babies in buggies. It couldn’t have been better and there was a lovely atmosphere.”
Ricky and Lorraine have been SCIAF supporters for years. Last year Ricky travelled to Zambia to see first-hand how money given to SCIAF is changing lives.
He said: “I know Scottish donations - no matter how small - really do make a difference because I’ve seen it with my own eyes. It was fantastic to meet so many people being supported by SCIAF to grow more food, earn an income and have real hope for the future.
“I found it really shocking that families still have to spend hours every day walking miles to get water – that’s why it was great to see so many people share that journey by taking part in the fun run.”
Lorraine added: “I was a great turnout this year and I’d definitely encourage everyone to come along next year so please spread the word. Every step of that run was a step towards someone getting food or water. While we were running, we had the people SCIAF helps in our thoughts.”
Glasgow East MP David Linden also took part in the run with his wife and two-year-old son. He said it was the thought of other young children in the world’s poorest countries walking for miles to get basic food and water that helped him over the finish line.
He said: “At the forefront of my mind during the 6k was the realisation that millions of people, particularly kids, who have to walk miles every single day for basic things like food and water. It really strikes home when you get to the finish line and someone hands you a bottle of water that we are really, really blessed.
“I’ve been very fortunate to have the support and sponsorship from congregations at St Michael’s parish in Parkhead, and St Mark’s and St Barnabas in Shettleston. I can’t thank them enough.”
This year’s winner was David Cathie, 47, from Strathaven, who ran with his wife Theresa and their four children, crossed the finish line after 22 minutes and 34 seconds.
“This is my first SCIAF 6k and I can thoroughly recommend it. I’ll definitely be back next year. It was great fun and the weather was fantastic,” he said.
The youngest winner two years running was Michael Nolan, 12, a pupil at St Ninian’s High in Giffnock, who finished the 6k in 20 minutes 18 seconds.
To make a donation to SCIAF’s work go to the website sciaf.org.uk or call 0141 354 5555.
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