Marathon mums on starter’s orders

Feb 20 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

TWO gung-ho Perth mums are running the Flora London Marathon for The Princess Royal Trust Young Carers Project (Perth and Kinross), which is part of the local charity PKAVS.

Close friends Nicola Cowmeadow and Heather Yellowley have been running together for a few years, taking part in the occasional 10k race.

Their initial goal for 2009 was to tackle a half marathon. But now they’re doubling up and going the whole hog.

Heather knew the Young Carers Project in Perth was seeking local support and suggested the pair adopted the cause.

And they were amazed when their initial offer prompted London-based Princess Royal Trust charity worker Gordon Conochie to offer them places in the London Marathon.

“We thought a local marathon might be a good place to start but the charity was thinking big, had places for us and we jumped at the chance to go for such a huge event,” explained Heather.

Stewart McFarlane is the Young Carers project manager and Lori Millichamp is the rural support worker.

They’re delighted with the pair’s commitment.

Nicola said: “The project currently supports over 50 young carers in Perth and Kinross while raising awareness of young carers' needs within schools and the wider community.”

This week, Nicola and Heather took time out from a hectic training schedule to meet some local Young Carers to talk over their marathon bid and fundraising plans.

Nicola (39), mother of two to Max (11) and Ben (9), is married to John. She’s currently studying for a History PhD at the University of Dundee.

“I’ve not yet run a marathon but hopefully the excitement and adrenaline – as well as a varied training programme, including running, cross training and free weights regime - will see us through.”

Heather, (35) mum to Doug (5) Jamie (2), is married to Donald and runs a part-time business, My Secret Kitchen, while juggling playgroup committee and helping out with the Strathmore Woollen Company family business.

She took a break from running while the boys were younger but can call upon past experience of half marathons and the Highland Cross in 2002.

Heather maps the runs and plans the routes, calling on valuable support from fellow Perth Road Runners.

She said: “Donald, John and the boys are being tremendously supportive, making time for training and turning up with warm drinks and cheering us on!”

Friends can pledge support and donate to the Princess Royal Trust through the fetching JustGiving web link at http://www.justgiving.com/HeatherYellowleyandNicolaCowmeadow