Gary Gault, 41, and son Barry, 20, completed the Great Scottish Run on October 5 in aid of the St Vincent’s Hospice, in Howwood.

The pair, from Johnstone, ran a total of 13 miles to raise cash for the charity which cares for millions of temporarily ill patients.

It was also a cause close to their hearts as Gary’s mother Margaret, Barry’s grandmother, had been diagnosed with cancer earlier this year.

The success of the run was major boost for the family — who have just received the life-changing news that Margaret’s health is on the mend.

An emotional Gary revealed: “My mum got good news four weeks ago that her tumour has shrunk significantly and the cancer has not spread anywhere else in her body.

“We are all delighted and relieved. This made so us even more determined to try raise as much money as possible for the hospice as it deserves every penny it can get.” The Gazette reported in July this year how Margaret, 71, had been receiving palliative care from the Howwood Hospice since her diagnosis in January.

Gary, a chef who lives in Cochrane Castle, was left devastated by the news and feared for the life of his beloved mum.

“Finding out my mother had cancer really knocked the stuffing out of me,” Gary recalled. “She was diagnosed in January this year and has since received both chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment.

“Her hair became really think during treatment and we still didn’t know what the final results would be.

“It really impacted both me and my son Barry as we’re really close to her. It was a total relief to hear her cancer hadn’t spread.” Although Margaret is making progress, she is still receiving palliative care as an outpatient at the hospice, a treatment which helps improve the quality of life for patients and their families as they deal with a life-threatening illness.

The St Vincent’s Hopice provide care through the prevention and relief of suffering by means of earli identification and impeccable assessment and treatment of pain and other problems, including physical, psychosocial and spiritual problems.

Gary said: “The care my mum has been given from St Vincent’s has been phenomenal.

“There is always support and someone to talk to, not just for the patient, but their relatives as well.

“My mum goes for a check up there once a week and is also in the care of the Beatson Hospital.

“The hospice needs as much money as possible as it costs around £5,000 each day just to run the place.” Gary and his son wanted to give something back to the charity that helped Margaret, so decided to take part in the marathon as a means of raising cash.

“When we heard how much it costs to run the hospice every day we were determined to find a way to help,” Gary continued.

“I’d already done Tough Mudder so suggested to my son that we do the Great Scottish Run — we were both absolutely knackered by the end of it.

“My mum is so strong and determined — she was the first person to offer to sponsor us. She was very proud of the both of us for completing it.

“I don’t think many people in Johnstone know exactly how much the hospice does but I’d love to raise awareness.” Karen Milne, Fundraising and Communications manager for St Vincent’s Hospice, said: “We were thrilled to have the father and son duo support St Vincent’s Hospice at the Great Scottish Run; their enthusiasm was obvious and their superb efforts mean a great deal to our patients and families at St Vincent’s Hospice.

“It’s outstanding efforts like this which allow us to provide care in the way which we do. Our sincerest thanks go to Gary and Barry and congratulations to them both for completing the Great Scottish Run.” To donate to St Vincent’s Hospice, visit www.justgiving.com/gary-gault