For Fiona Tweedie, a reluctant starting has was a lifetime passion for running that can see her embark on her biggest race yet, following the steps of Saint Cuthbert in a journey that can allow her to support young people in Togo.
Fiona first laced up her trainers around five years ago, when she began the ‘Couch to 5k” programme as a way to support a member of the family. Starting slowly on local hills and trails, she was surprised to find a love for running that has seen her work her way as much as ultra distances—races beyond the usual marathon distance of 26.2 miles (or 42.2km).
“I used to be all the time the person picked last for varsity teams at gym, and commenced running just just a few years ago. I’m by no means fast, but I like running within the hills, slowly, a great distance,” Fiona said.
“It’s a while to be with God, and away from other distractions. I get to see beautiful views within the Pentland Hills near my home and take heed to the birds and marvel at God’s creation.”
Fiona’s other passions in life include supporting young people, especially those that have not had the best starts of their lives. Together with Compassion UK, Fiona and her family have touched countless lives world wide.
“We had two babies then and we wanted them to grasp concerning the lives of other children world wide. We’ve sponsored something like 30 children from all around the world through the years – at one point ‘the sun never sat’ (as they used to say concerning the British Empire) on our ‘family’.”
Fiona has found a approach to mix these two passions, committing to run 500km for child-development charity Compassion UK from May to July, and using the cash raised through the generosity of the sponsors to assist a project constructing a youth resource centre in Togo’s capital, Lomé. Togo (officially the Togolese Republic), a rustic in West Africa, stretches 500km from north to south, which inspired Fiona’s chosen distance.
“I ran the Glen Lyon 50k ultra on 1 June, but my big challenge might be the St Cuthbert’s Way ultra on 21 July. It goes from Melrose Abbey to Lindisfarne – just over 66 miles or 100km, following the journey of Cuthbert.”
Inextricably related to Northumbria, Cuthbert of Lindisfarne was a monk, bishop, and hermit who was renowned for his journeys supporting local communities. Tireless as a travelling priest spreading the Christian message to distant villages, Cuthbert became generally known as the ‘Wonder Worker of Britain’ for his many feats of healing. For Fiona, her journey will give her a probability to supply vital opportunities for education to children of Togo, a mission that the holy man would undoubtedly smile upon.
“I was once a university lecturer, and I do know the importance of education in young people’s lives. But so many are unable to proceed because of a scarcity of resources or access to the resources they need,” Fiona said.
“I do know that young women and girls are particularly disadvantaged and I desired to do something to assist them. I actually hope we’ll raise enough as a team and that the Jeremiah Centre can support many young people into higher education and a greater future for the scholars, and for the country.”
Fiona hopes that individuals won’t only join together with her on this project by sponsoring her run, but may also consider supporting a baby through Compassion.
“It’s an exquisite way of adding an additional ‘brother’ or ‘sister’ to your loved ones, for youngsters to learn the way other people live world wide – our kids shared their hopes and fears about starting highschool with our kids once they were at that stage.”
“You’re making an exquisite, incredible difference within the lifetime of a baby through the local church in that place.”
