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.
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.
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.”
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 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.
Ann pictured at the London Marathon (above) in 2019. She was a founding member of the Chapelton 10k, which has raised tens of thousands of pounds over the years. She also took part in the 2024 Courage on the Catwalk in May last year.
© Friends of Roxburghe House Grampian - Charity Number: SC009220
