Boston Marathon 2024 - running for the Gaelic Books Council

Hello!

I’m a proud Scot who has lived and worked at home and around the world in Papua New Guinea, Canada and Aotearoa New Zealand. I have qualified to run in the Boston Marathon on the 15th April 2024 and will be aiming to complete the course in 3hrs and 15mins.

It is going to be a major challenge. I returned to running in October 2021 and have successfully completed the Solway Coastal Marathon (May 2022: 3hrs 46mins), the Florence Marathon (November 2022: 3hrs 33mins) and the Edinburgh Marathon (May 2023: 3hrs 24mins). It was in Edinburgh that I secured a coveted ‘BQ’ (Boston Qualifying time) for my age group. I was chuffed!

The big day is fast approaching and I am now hoping to garner some support for a cause that I really believe in. I am running to raise funds to support the Gaelic language here in Scotland and around the world. The Gaelic Books Council/Comhairle nan Leabharaichean is a charity based in Glasgow and supports writers, publishers and readers of Gaelic both here in Scotland and abroad. Learn more about Comhairle nan Leabhraichean here: Gaelic Books Council - Supporting Scottish Gaelic writers and publishers

Why Scottish Gaelic?

In my travels I have seen the importance of local languages to the indigenous peoples of PNG, Canada and Aotearoa New Zealand. Many of these languages are under threat of disappearing. Scottish Gaelic is at risk and needs support.

When I first moved to Aotearoa New Zealand in 1997, Māori, the language of the first people of Aotearoa New Zealand, was rarely heard. But now, in 2024, it is more commonly spoken. Many Te reo Māori phrases are used by all New Zealanders in daily conversation. The number of people fluent in speaking the language is increasing. Indeed, Te reo Māori is considered a taonga, a treasure that needs protection. I hope that Gàidhlig/Scottish Gaelic can follow a similar path and become more widely accepted and spoken throughout the land.

But it won’t happen without support. My wife, Kerry, has taken to learning Gàidhlig and has been an inspiration. She has set up a weekly coffee morning here in our hometown of Stirling for Gaelic speakers and learners. She has been studying at both Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Ceòlas. I have not started my Gaelic language journey (yet) but can help by using my legs to raise awareness and funds to support Gaelic language and Celtic culture.

Act Now – Make a Contribution!

I hope that you will support this great cause by making a donation through my GoFundMe page. It is easy to do and 100% of funds received will go directly to this good cause. Your support will help to preserve and support the Gaelic language and encourage readers, writers and publishers of Gaelic and, hopefully, inspire me to go the extra mile and achieve my goal time in Boston!

Thank you!