Schoolkids are going the distance to raise funds in memory of a beloved teacher who died of Crohn’s disease this year.
Pupils at Greenfaulds High School, in Cumbernauld were heartbroken when Marie Reilly died in September. Now with the help of teacher Mark McAdams, the kids will walk or run 5k every day in December in tribute.
The youngsters are fundraising for The Catherine McEwan Foundation, the Scottish IBD charity Marie supported. And founder Derek McEwan joined pupils yesterday at the school to run for Marie.
Teacher and pal Mark organised the fundraiser as Marie supported him when his wife Alex was diagnosed with IBD (inflammatory bowel disease).
Mark, 28, from Wishaw, said : “I know this challenge is not easy – December is a busy time for all of us, pupils have prelims, busy lives and the mental challenge of your mind telling you to take a break.”
Pupil Lewis Mackenzie, 17, said: “Mrs Reilly always had a smile on her face, she had time for everyone and put others before herself, that really pushed me to try to be the same way and take after her.”
An emotional Derek said: “I’m blown away by these kids and their teachers. We brought along T shirts for them all and seeing them proudly running in them is really powerful.
“Marie was obviously an incredible woman and such a positive influence on these children, along with Mark and the other teachers.”
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