by Bill Heaney
West Dunbartonshire folk weighed in with cash support for Marie Curie star fund-raiser Petra McMillan, who took part in the London Marathon at the weekend.
Looking fabulous with not a bother on her after the race, in which a remarkable 59,000 people took part, Petra told The Dumbarton Democrat: ” What an incredible experience that was!
“I managed 4.03.59, and I’m delighted with that given the circumstances.
“I have had a hamstring injury for around two months, which I thought might stop me taking part, but no, not running, intense physio, and slowing down got me through.
“Completing the 26.2 miles was the goal. This was unfinished business after originally securing a place back in 2010, but then having to pull out just one week before with fractures in both tibias.
“Marie Curie was chosen as the TCS London Marathon’s Charity of the Year for 2026, so it felt appropriate to give it another go.
“Personally, with family and friends, we raised almost £6k, but collectively our team of 700 plus runners will generate around £2 million in sponsorship money, which will directly fund free professional end-of-life care for individuals with any terminal condition, not just cancer, at home or in one of our UK hospices.
“Each day, 547 people die without the care they need at the end of life.
“This is a figure communicated beautifully by a sculpture featuring 547 steel daffodils at the Excel centre this week in London.”
