Ayrshire Man Set for First 50k Ultra-Marathon in Tribute to Stroke Survivor Father

A keen runner, Iain Strachan has never needed any excuse to sign up for marathons and half-marathons. 

But when his dad Archie had a stroke in September 2022, Iain decided to put his love of running to greater effect by raising vital funds for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland.

Having completed the Manchester marathon last year and the Edinburgh half-marathon in May, the 33-year-old is now gearing up for his toughest challenge to date – taking part in his first ultra-marathon, a daunting 50k trail run on the rough terrain of Eaglesham Moor.

Run the Blades takes place over the weekend of July 19-21 with participants – dwarfed by the mighty wind turbines of Whitelee Wind Farm on the moor – taking part in either a 10k, half-marathon or, as Iain is doing, the ultimate 50k trail run.

Iain, who lives in Ayr, said: “I’ve been part of fundraising events in the past, but this is the first time I’ve done something for a charity that means something to me.

There was no warning when Archie had a stroke. Iain’s mum Karen heard a cup falling in the kitchen and when Archie didn’t answer her, she went to see what had happened.

When she saw Archie’s face, Karen, a nurse of 30 years’ A&E experience, realised immediately that he was having a stroke. Knowing how crucial time in treating stroke is to recovery, Karen knew she couldn’t wait when the 999 operator told her an ambulance might take up to 45 minutes to reach their Renfrewshire home.

She managed to get Archie into the car and took him straight to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow where – within an hour of the stroke hitting – Archie was given a clot-busting treatment known as thrombolysis and was able to walk unaided to the stroke ward.

Iain said: “Dad has made a really good recovery, although it has taken time. We’re just grateful mum was at home and knew exactly what to do. Doctors discovered dad has an irregular heartbeat, and they think that might have been the trigger for the stroke.

“He actually walked the West Highland Way earlier this year with a friend to prove that he had recovered. He had been nervous that it might happen again, but now he feels much more confident, and he’s checked out by the medics regularly.

“A big incentive for me in fundraising for CHSS is to help raise as much awareness as possible about the symptoms of stroke. Identifying early signs can save lives.”

Iain’s love for running is evident in another very public way. He has recently established an informal running group called RunAyr, described as “a place for any pace”, to bring together people of all ages and abilities in a relaxed environment

But he knows Eaglesham Moor won’t be a relaxed environment on July 20, adding: “I know it will be a lot tougher than a marathon course, but I’ve got all the kit and I’m ready for it – I hope!”

Aimee Russell, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s Community Events and Corporate Fundraiser, said: “We wish Iain all the best for what will be a very tough challenge this weekend.

“Iain’s story is an inspirational one and we’re pleased to see Archie has made a lot of progress in his recovery. The money raised from fundraisers like this help us to support the one in five people across Scotland with our conditions. That support can help them live their lives to the full.”

You can support Iain to raise vital funds for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland by donating at his JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/iain-strachan-1718122959949

To fundraise for CHSS please go to Fundraise for us – Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (chss.org.uk).

If you’re living with the effects of a chest, heart or stroke condition or Long Covid and looking for advice and information, please contact Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s Advice Line on 0808 801 0899. You can also text NURSE to 66777 or email adviceline@chss.org.uk.