This is Great Scottish Run: Lorraine Faulds

Glasgow had a vision 850 years ago to make a difference to the world — and this October, our Great Scottish Runners will do the same.

When Lorraine signed up for the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run 10km, she didn’t even own a pair of trainers. But what she did have was determination — a determination to honour her mum, Irene, who passed away last year from an ultra-rare cancer called epithelioid haemangioendothelioma (EHE).

EHE affects fewer than one in a million people. It develops in blood vessels and, unlike most cancers, often presents with multiple tumours from the outset rather than spreading from a single primary site. With so little known about the disease, and limited information available even to medical professionals, families like Lorraine’s often feel isolated at diagnosis. That’s why Lorraine is determined to raise funds and awareness for EHE Rare Cancer Charity UK (EHERCC), which marks its 10th anniversary this year.

Her mum’s story began with what seemed like a routine hip operation in 2023, followed by unexplained pain. Tests eventually revealed multiple lesions on her spine, and after months of uncertainty, the family were told there was no treatment and no cure. “It felt like the rug was pulled from under us,” Lorraine explains. “There was barely any information out there. Even the doctors had to Google it.” Irene sadly passed away aged 77, leaving a huge hole in her family’s life.

When the EHE community announced a “10 for 10” campaign — asking supporters to take on challenges themed around the number ten — Lorraine knew what she had to do. Together with her two sons and five nieces, she signed up for the Great Scottish Run 10k. “We thought: 10 kilometres for 10 years of the charity. It just made sense,” she says.

It will be the first ever 10km for most of the group. For Lorraine, it’s already been a journey — she ran her very first race at the AJ Bell Great North 10km in Newcastle this summer, on the anniversary of her mum’s passing. “I just thought, how else do you mark that day? I wanted to do something positive. Crossing the finish line in 1 hour 6 minutes was emotional — I never believed I could do it.”

Now, her training is focused on Glasgow. “We’ll all be running together — though I’ve warned my sons and nieces I won’t be waiting for them!” she laughs. “There’s already competition in the house. My youngest has started sprinting 5kms on the treadmill just to make sure he finishes before me.”

Behind the jokes, the motivation is serious: fundraising for research and awareness into a cancer that receives little attention. The family have set up a JustGiving page with a target of £500, though they hope to raise much more. “It’s about helping others facing this diagnosis to feel less alone, and supporting the research that could one day make a difference,” says Lorraine.

On Sunday 5 October, as the family take to the streets of Glasgow, they’ll be running not just for themselves but in memory of Irene — a mum and gran who was always active, always helping others, and who inspired them to keep going.

“Running this 10km is something I never thought I’d do,” Lorraine reflects. “But for Mum, I’ll keep going. This is for her.”

There still a chance to be a part of the biggest Great Scottish Run yet, but places are selling quickly. Sign up here.