THE father and sister of a 20-year-old man who died suddenly are taking to the start line of a world-famous race.
Iain McLean and daughter Annabel will pound the streets during the London Marathon on Sunday alongside thousands of other runners.
The duo are representing the Brain Tumour Charity, following the death of Duncan McLean five years ago.
The former Gullane Primary School and Musselburgh’s Loretto School pupil died from a glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) brain tumour in February 2016 – just three days after he was admitted to hospital with severe headaches.
Sixty-year-old Iain told the Courier that Duncan had always wanted to complete a marathon.
Now, Duncan’s dad and 24-year-old sister Annabel will take on the 26.2-mile race in his memory.
Iain, who lives in Gullane, said: “It has kept us doing the various fundraising things and working with the charity.
“It is good for us to keep people thinking about Duncan and doing public things rather than just cowering away in a darkened room.
“It is five years on but it is still tough, to be honest.”
Iain had been due to line up in London last April but the event was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The famous race was rescheduled for October but, due to the pandemic, it was only elite runners taking on the challenge.
Now, Iain will be joined by his daughter, who is a doctor in Glasgow, in representing the charity.
Training started in November 2019 and Iain was now looking forward to the race getting under way and seeing the sights broadcast to millions on the BBC.
He said: “The landmarks will be fantastic.
“It is great and I am looking forward to it.
“We are going to have a nice weekend in London, my wife is coming down to support us and we are meeting with other people.”
To support Iain and Annabel, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/iain-mclean11
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