Shona Nobes from Hamilton is running her first ever 10K race this summer to raise money for St Andrew’s Hospice. She chose to get fit and fundraise to pay respects to the charity and the help it has shown her friends and family.

Shona, who works as an Accounts Assistant in the Finance and IT department of South Lanarkshire Council, has never taken part in the 10k before. She has been running two to three nights a week to get in shape for the diet Coke East Kilbride Half Marathon and 10K on June 21st.

She decided to run for the St Andrew’s hospice in memory of a friend’s father who was cared for by the charity earlier this year. Shona has a number of friends who have been supported by the charities palliative care and respite services.

She said, “St Andrew’s hospice does a huge amount of good in the community. It has helped so many friends and family who have faced bereavement or the loss of a loved one. I hope to bring in around £300 to help the charity continue its important work.”

To donate to St Andrew’s hospice visit http://www.st-andrews-hospice.com/

To join Shona at the ‘diet Coke’ East Kilbride Half Marathon or 10k, either for St Andrew’s Hospice, the race’s nominated charity the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland, or any other cause close to your heart visit www.ekhalfmarathon.co.uk or call 01698 476118.

Karen McCartney, from Ralston near Paisley, is hitting the road for Parkinson’s fundraising website WobblyWilliams.com in the diet Coke East Kilbride 10k this summer.

WobblyWilliams.com was set up by Karen’s work colleague Bryn Williams after he was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s disease last year aged 36. Karen is running in six different races this year to raise money for research into the cause, treatment and cure of the disease.

Karen is taking part in the Arran 10k on the 19^th April and the Troon 10k on the 6^th May before the Women’s 10K on the 10^th of May.

She then taking part in the diet Coke East Kilbride 10k on the 21^st of June building up to the Great Scottish Run in September. The final leg of her summer fundraising isthe Great Scottish Run in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne also in September.

Since April 2008 Wobbly Williams has raised over £44,000 smashing their target of £26,000. So far they have raised enough to fund 11 months of research.

Karen said, “Bryn is a close friend and great colleague. When he told us about his Parkinson’s we all pitched in the help raise money and raise awareness of the disease. It is important people realise that it does not just affect older people and it is an area where research can have real impact.”

To donate visit www.wobblywilliams.com.

Norwich City’s Scottish footballer, Alan Gow was pictured lending his support to the Children's Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS) fundraising appeal.

The Clydebank born striker donned the official race T-shirt for the ‘diet Coke’ East Kilbride Half Marathon and 10K outside of the Canaries stadium at Carrow Road. CHAS is the official charity for this year’s race and will receive £1 from every entry fee.

Alan said, “If my commitments allow I hope to be running with my fellow CHAS supporters in East Kilbride, if not I’ll certainly be cheering them on.  It’s great to be helping CHAS, they do so much fantastic work with children and families from across Scotland.”

CHAS is a Scottish charity established to provide hospice services in Scotland for children with life-limiting conditions.  The charity offers professional care, practical help and emotional support to the whole family, usually from the day they are referred until the death of their child and beyond

CHAS is looking for fundraisers to take part in this year’s race and other events. For more information contact the fundraising team on 0141 779 6190.

The 10k is open to anyone aged 15 years or over on the day of the race. Runners need to be 17 years of age to take part in the Half Marathon. Entry for both races is available via www.ekhalfmarathon.co.uk, or by calling the race hotline on 01698 476118.

Entry prices are from £13 for the 10K and £17 for the 1/2 Marathon.  After May 30th all entry prices increase by £5.

The ‘diet Coke’ East Kilbride Half Marathon & 10k Fun Run is a partnership between Coca-Cola Enterprises Ltd, South Lanarkshire Leisure, South Lanarkshire Council, East Kilbride Athletic Club and local athletes.