Neilston woman Gillian McKinlay set to take on London Marathon in memory of cancer sufferer

Gillian McKinlay was devastated when her friend Andrea Kearney developed breast cancer while pregnant with her fifth child.

The pair, who met at a Barrhead community group, used to train together and dreamed of doing a marathon.

Now Gillian, 49, plans to run in next month’s London race to raise funds for a charity set up by Andrea’s husband Peter.

“Some people just make an impact on you and Andrea was definitely one of those,” said Gillian.

“We regularly ran together, with Andrea out in front while I plodded on behind, but we finished together.

“One day, I suggested we should run a marathon and she suggested we try a 10k first.”

After developing breast cancer when she was pregnant, Andrea delayed treatment for fear it would harm her baby.

Sadly, she died in 2008.

Gillian said: “Pregnancy and cancer are such a terrible combination.

“There is joy and excitement but also fear and uncertainty. Though Andrea became increasingly unwell, she took time to support a friend who’d just had a cancer diagnosis.

“She was a shoulder to lean on in a house-moving drama, which she was going through at the same time. In 2008, with her own health failing, Andrea urged me to stay active as a preventative measure, which I’ve done at varying levels since then.

“Peter set up a special fund, the only one of its kind in the UK, to support women and their families in similar circumstances. It’s a marvellous charity and it has been a great help to so many mothers and families.”

A number of Scottish celebrities, including Deacon Blue stars Ricky Ross and Lorraine McIntosh, have backed the Andrea Kierney Fund.

Gillian added: “I’m doing the London Marathon on Sunday, April 23. I won’t be fast and I may not look pretty doing it, but I’ll do it for Andrea.

“If the reason for the fund touches you, please donate.”

To support Gillian’s fundraising effort, go to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/gillian-mckinlay-marathon.