Perth duo set for Big Apple run in tribute to mums

May 10 2011 by Greg Christison, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

TWO Fair City friends are to take part in a prestigious sporting event in a tribute to their mothers, who both lost their lives to cancer.

Personal trainer Hazel Ritchie (38) and teacher Tina Rankin (34) will run the New York City Marathon on November 6 in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

Attempting to raise a total of £3500, the duo kicked-off their fundraising efforts on April 29 with a street party to mark the Royal wedding and have collected an impressive £930 to date.

Denying her role as a fitness instructor would benefit her in the charity effort, Hazel, whose mother Eileen Reid died 13 years ago, revealed they will have to embark on a substantial training regime in preparation.

The wife of Jim, and mother of Elliot (9), Jessica (8) and Cameron (6), said: “We are raising money for Macmillan because both of our mums died of cancer and they provided a lot of support at the time.

“I did the London Marathon a few years ago for Cancer Research. Hopefully because we are running it in November, it should be a bit cooler.

“I think there is more pressure since I’m a fitness trainer. There is a different kind of training required to take part in a marathon. I’ll just be happy to get around, I’ll not be trying to beat any records.”

Tina tragically lost her mum, Eleanor Wallace, to the disease in 2010 and explained running in her memory will guarantee she will finish the 26.2 mile event.

The Perth Grammar teacher, who is the wife of David and mother of Archie (5), Flora (3) and Harriet (1), also commented the trip to the Big Apple would bring back memories of her teenage years.

She said: “I’m reasonably fit but it is going to be a challenge to get the mileage up. But when I’m running, I’ll be thinking of my mum and others who have suffered with cancer and that’ll get me through.

“I worked as an au pair in New York when I was 18 and I am definitely looking forward to going back.”

PA readers can contribute to the fund by visiting: www.justgiving.com/tina-hazel.