For many, a 10km run would seem a daunting and insurmountable challenge, particularly if it was around the UK’s largest onshore windfarm. However, a group of colleagues from ScottishPower Renewables intends to achieve this very feat in memory of a former friend and colleague.
Following the tragic passing of Scott Docherty in March this year, ten of his colleagues from ScottishPower Renewables’ Control Centre at the company’s Whitelee Windfarm, were inspired to raise awareness and funds for St Andrew’s Hospice in Airdrie, where Scott and his family were cared for during his battle with cancer.
Dougie Campbell, Control Centre Operations Manager at ScottishPower Renewables, said: “Scott worked at the Control Centre as a Lead Operational Controller and helped it evolve into the fantastic facility it is today. As a person he was very kind, outgoing and always willing to help others. He was a great person to be around and since his passing it feels like there is now a void in the team that cannot be filled.
“Many colleagues from ScottishPower Renewables attended his funeral and we all agreed we should do something in Scott’s memory and to thank St Andrew’s Hospice for the invaluable care they gave Scott and his family. When we heard of the Run the Blades race taking place at Whitelee Windfarm, we decided this would be an ideal event to raise funds for such a worthwhile cause.”
Established in 2015, Run the Blades is the biggest event of its kind in Scotland and is renowned for the unique nature of its running routes that see competitors race through the UK’s largest onshore windfarm, Whitelee in East Renfrewshire.
On July 20th and 21st, more than 1,200 competitors will be taking on the three distance courses available - 10km, half-marathon and 50km ultramarathon - surrounded by turbines, wildlife and countryside; which is all open for the public to explore on foot, bicycle or horseback.
Sponsoring the event for the first time will be leading wind energy developer ScottishPower Renewables and a team from the company will be running the 10km course in Scott’s memory. The group of ten, going by the name #TeamDoc, includes Euan Birch, Craig McAvoy, Dougie Campbell, Gareth Mullen, John Morris, Kenny MacLeod, Lee Callaghan, Mark Gailey, Peter Daly and Ross McClymont.
“#TeamDoc cannot wait for Run the Blades,” added Dougie.
“As a group we vary in running experience but have been training hard and with the incredibly hot weather recently it will be tough, but I know as a team we will support one another and complete the challenge for Scott.”
Located in Airdrie, St Andrew’s Hospice is Lanarkshire’s specialist palliative care hospice, and as a registered charity it provides multidisciplinary support for patients living with life-limiting illnesses, their families and carers.
Dougie said: “Anything we can do to help St Andrew’s Hospice and to honour Scott’s memory is very important. His wife Justine and two children - Lucy and Andrew – will be supporting us at the race, which will make the event even more special.
“Knowing the type of person Scott was, he would be overwhelmed and extremely grateful we are taking on this challenge. He was a very humble guy, but he is more than deserving and we hope we can raise as much money as possible for this fantastic charity.”
All donations made towards #TeamDoc’s challenge will go towards St Andrew’s Hospice. To donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/teamdoc.
Further information about St Andrew’s Hospice can be found at www.st-andrews-hospice.com.