Running for Carson
14-year-old Carson was diagnosed in late November 2024 with Hodgkins Lymphoma. After four cycles of chemotherapy, and regular stays in the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, Carson received the incredible news that he was cancer free!
During this time, his determined stepdad, Grant, began training for the Edinburgh Marathon to give back and say thank you for the care and support Carson and his family received. Last Sunday, just four days before Carson’s bell ringing took place, Grant completed the race, raising almost £2,000 for Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity in the process.
Carson’s Hospital Journey
On Thursday the 19th of December, Carson was fitted with a PICC line, ready to begin his first cycle of chemotherapy the following Monday. The very next day, his Mum, Jenny, and stepdad, Grant, got married, and that Saturday, the family celebrated Christmas early to ensure Carson could still enjoy the day with his loved ones.
What should have been a special and festive week, marked the beginning of Carson’s 6-month treatment journey.
Thankfully, Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity was there to help make the festive period as magical as possible. From charity-funded Christmas presents and visits from Santa, to the pull-down bed in Carson’s room that allowed his mum to stay by his side, we helped to ensure the family’s time in hospital was as positive as it could be. Carson has shared:
“Christmas was amazing in the hospital. The facilities and activities on the ward were great too, I don’t know what I would’ve done without them. Despite being in the hospital over Christmas, and especially under the circumstances, it was still a nice atmosphere.”
By the time Carson was finishing his treatment, spring had arrived, and the sun was shining. This meant Carson and Jenny could spend time outside in the children’s hospital garden, enjoying some much-needed fresh air and change of scenery.
Running to Give Back
Last year, Grant had signed up to run the Belfast Marathon, but due to Carson’s ill health, he cancelled his place and looked for something closer to home. This year, he decided to take on the Edinburgh Marathon running in support of Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.
We spoke to Grant ahead of race day, and he shared:
“The reason I’m running is to give back to the hospital and charity who have been so amazing with us. Running is the one thing that I managed to keep up during Carson’s time in hospital."
"I know for certain that Carson’s gone through a lot worse than I have. So, if he can get through that, I can run 26 miles. That’s what will keep me going.”
Grant
Carson was there on the day, cheering Grant on along the route and across the finish line as he took on the 26.2-mile race. Grant has raised an incredible £1,949.24 for Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, and we are so grateful to the family’s amazing support through their fundraising efforts.