AN East Renfrewshire mum has taken on the mammoth challenge of running a marathon for charity every week until the coronavirus lockdown ends.

Claire Kinloch Anderson, 55, felt she had to do something to help Macmillan Cancer Support at a time when it is struggling to fundraise due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

That led to the part-time tennis coach, who runs her own film and video production company, pulling on her running shoes and pounding the streets.

Mum-of-six Claire told the Barrhead News: “A couple of weeks ago, I virtually produced a few videos for Macmillan and it made me realise how much this amazing charity needs our support during these times.

“It supports people living with cancer so well but funds are severely cut just now. I’m not qualified to nurse or work as a doctor but I can run.

“I have six kids and they are all at home just now. My eldest has just turned 21 and my youngest is 10. There’s a lot going on at home, so the running helps get me out the house.

“I’ve only ever ran one marathon before but I've done a lot of 10-kilometre runs. I’m a tennis coach at the local tennis club and have been for over 20 years, so I do keep myself fit.

"When the lockdown came along, I just thought 'what else am I going to do?' I’ll just keep running as it’s all for a good cause.”

Claire, from Busby, has also been encouraging her family to join in with the challenge.

She said: “I’m averaging my runs out throughout the week, to give myself at least one day of rest.

"My husband is really fit, so he has been coming along occasionally and keeping me company. My 17-year-old has joined me on the running track but keeps lapping me, while my 12-year-old has also been out on a few runs.

"They’re all helping to keep me going.

“I’m right on the edge of the countryside and there are loads of small roads around me, so I can change my route every day. I’m really glad I’m doing this, despite the days I’m a little sore.

"If it helps raise funds for Macmillan, then I’m happy. The work the charity does is phenomenal.”

Julia Perrie, fundraising manager for Macmillan, described Claire's fundraising efforts as "unbelievable."

"It’s very impressive," she said. “I want to thank her for raising funds for Macmillan during a time when our fundraising has taken a huge downturn.

"She’s most certainly an inspiration and we’re behind her all the way."

To support Claire’s fundraising efforts, make a donation here.