An Aberdeen woman, Tamsin Ross, who took up running during Covid-19 lockdown is preparing to run her third major world marathon next month, to raise funds for local family support charity Home-Start Aberdeen.
As she laces up her running shoes and sets her sights on marathon day, Sunday 21st April, the money Tamsin raises will go towards helping local families with young children in Aberdeen who are struggling to cope. These families have at least one child under the age of five and are typically affected by social isolation, bereavement, relationship problems, illness, disability and financial hardship.
Home-Start Aberdeen supports families across the city through carefully selected and trained volunteers who are there for families, providing them with compassionate and confidential help to prevent family crisis and breakdown.
Despite never considering herself a runner, quite the opposite, Tamsin, who works at the Rowett Institute at the University of Aberdeen, started to run during the lockdown in 2020 as a way to maintain her mental health and to keep active.
“Running wasn’t natural for me but I liked the commitment of getting good at it and it helped me during that time. I fell in love with it, much to my surprise and everyone who knew me,” she shares. “I like the fact that you can run anywhere and it became a way for me to discover new places and take in new sights. I don’t like running the same routes, I like to explore and run different terrains and different locations. I get to keep fit and sightsee at the same time.”
Tamsin completed the New York marathon in 2022 in 4 hours 40 minutes and then the Berlin marathon in 2023 in 4 hours 25 minutes. She’s aiming for a similar time in London but is keen just to enjoy the day and raise as much money and awareness of Home-Start Aberdeen as she can.
The London Marathon, known for its historic landmarks and spirited crowds, offers Tamsin the ideal backdrop for her meaningful race. Gearing up for the run Tamsin shared she ‘can’t wait for the whole thing and I’m very grateful and proud to be running for Home-Start’.
“I’ve grown up in Aberdeen myself and fortunate to have had a very positive and secure childhood. So many families are facing challenges whether that’s financial, health, isolation or relationships that it’s hard for them to cope, and the impact this has on the family, directly affects the lives and experiences of young children. Home-Start is a lifeline for so many of these families and children.
“I’m in a position I can raise awareness and funds so their team and volunteers can help more families and give children a better start in life. I’m very grateful for that opportunity and keen to raise as much money as I can to support their brilliant work.”
Supporters can follow her progress and contribute to her fundraising efforts at her dedicated fundraising page here: https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/tam-home-start-london. Every donation, big or small, helps to make a difference in the lives of families who benefit from the charity’s services.
For over 30 years Home-Start Aberdeen has been supporting families across the city to prevent family crisis and breakdown. For more information on Home-Start Aberdeen visit homestartaberdeen.org.uk
