Braes piano teacher Fiona Goodison is running to help Christian Aid

Fiona Goodison from Wallacestone is determined to support vulnerable communities around the world by doing what she loves, running – although she has not ambition to be up with those looking for fast times. Her ambition is to complete the course.

The 63-year-old is entered in both the Edinburgh Marathon – which takes place on Sunday, May 24 and the Great North Run half marathon on September 23 to raise money for the charity.

While she has tackled several runs before this is her first attempt at the marathon in Scotland’s capital.

She said: “I’ve never run Edinburgh before, though I did complete the London Marathon in 2022, but I think this will be my eighth Great North Run. I’m also doing the Supernova Bridges 5k in November and have already completed the Kelpies Supernova 5k.

“I am slow, a true tortoise, but I’ve stopped worrying about times. The Edinburgh Marathon is the only one I ask sponsorship for, but I set aside a pound a day myself to put towards Christian Aid.

“Christian Aid has always been a part of every church I’ve known. I’m currently a member of Upper Braes Parish Church, though I never make it on a Sunday morning because I’m also the organist at Alva Parish Church.

"My husband is the minister of Menstrie Parish Church and will be supporting my runs, alongside my two Border terriers.”

The money Fiona raises will go towards projects Christian Aid is funding, run by local partners in countries around the world.

Christian Aid supporters help millions of people in the most vulnerable communities transform their lives. Between 2024 and 2025, the organisation worked with partners to directly reach 4.1 million people via almost 400 projects, from savings and loans associations to farming co-operatives, and climate disaster risk training to healthcare schemes.

To support Fiona, please visit her JustGiving page to find out more about the work of Christian Aid and how to get involved go to www.christianaid.org.uk .