2026-04-27T08:53:14+00:00

Community rallies behind fundraiser Ann as she takes on Kiltwalk

Ann Gallon has spent years giving back to her community.

As a founder of the group behind the Chapelton 10k - which has raised tens of thousands of pounds for local charities over the last seven years - and a competitor in everything from half marathons to the 2019 London Marathon, Ann has always found a way to show up for others.

Now, facing the biggest challenge of her life, her community is showing up for her.

Fifty-three-year-old Ann, who originally hails from Macduff and now lives in Cove, is currently living with stage 4 adrenal cancer, as well as a rare inherited condition called Li-Fraumeni syndrome.

Adrenal cancer is exceptionally rare – only around 260 people are diagnosed in the UK each year - and throughout her illness, Ann has found an extraordinary source of support from Roxburghe House.

Team Ann

And so on 7 June, Ann will be taking part in the Aberdeen KiltWalk's Wee Wander, a four-mile route from Cults Academy to Duthie Park, raising funds for Friends of Roxburghe House Grampian.

She'll be doing it in her wheelchair, and she won't be alone.

Ann running the London Marathon in 2019

What began as a plan between Ann, her daughter Christine and son-in-law Michael has snowballed into something that she says has left her completely overwhelmed.

Team Ann now numbers at least 11 people, including friends from when Ann took part in Courage on the Catwalk in 2024, work colleagues, fellow members of Stonehaven Running Club - and two very special supporters. Ann’s 11-year-old granddaughter Kinley will be there and so will her dad John Gallon, aged 83, who first got Ann into running all those years ago.“My dad was an excellent runner and he got me into running when I was younger,” she said.

“It is quite tough not to be mobile and be in a wheelchair now, but it's worth it to raise money for an amazing charity.”

>> Ann with her daughter Christine and granddaughter Kinley

As for the route itself, Ann is characteristically upbeat.

“Everyone will just get a shot of pushing me, I suppose. Luckily, it starts downhill.”

Safe space

The reason that former detective constable Ann is so determined to raise as much as possible is because she says Roxburghe House has been there for her through the darkest of times.

She attends the day unit every Wednesday and has also been an in-patient for pain control.

The care she has received - from day unit nurses Carol and Laura, to complementary therapist Lisa, psychologist Vera and the doctors who see her weekly - has made an immeasurable difference.

“I just cannot put into words how much they have done for me and still continue to do for me,” she said.

“They've helped me through some dark times. I call it my safe space when I go on a Wednesday.”

She is also working with Emily, the writer-in-residence at Roxburghe House that is funded by Friends, to write a book about her life which she’s nearly finished.

“All the little bits that Friends of Roxburghe House do when you’re an in-patient - it makes things that little bit easier for your family too,” she said.

“The compassion, dedication and genuine kindness of everyone there makes such a difference not just to me, but to my family during this incredibly difficult time.”

Team Ann has already raised over £1,300, but Ann is hoping for a big fundraising push before the big day on 7 June.

If you'd like to support her, you can donate via her JustGiving page here.

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