2025-11-06T13:43:32+00:00

Running duo smash fundraising target at Loch Rannoch

Two dedicated runners, Gavin Baxter and Mathilde Fongen, have exceeded their fundraising target for Friends of Roxburghe House Grampian after completing the Rannoch half marathon last month.

The pair had initially set a modest goal of £210 but have already raised £720 with an additional £150 in Gift Aid, thanks to the generosity of supporters.

Gavin - a trade sales clerk, musician and producer of the ABZ Football Podcast - and Mathilde, a creative writer, musician and customer success manager, chose to take on the challenge in the stunning surroundings of Loch Rannoch near Pitlochry, in honour of their friends’ mother.

“We know the importance of this charity, having seen how much of a difference it made for our dear friends Jamie and Rebecca when their wonderful mother Kirsty Reid needed this support and comfort,” said Gavin.

“Kirsty was a seasoned runner and a woman who dedicated her life to caring for others, so we could think of no better way of paying tribute to her life.”

Roxburghe House provided care and support for Kirsty as well as her family, from her cancer diagnosis through to her passing in March 2023.

Mathilde’s commitment to the cause was particularly impressive as it marked her first ever half marathon. For Gavin, a seasoned runner, it was his third but his first half marathon in eight years.

After completing our first race together in 2024 - the River Ness 10k - we decided we wanted to take on a half marathon,” said Mathilde.

“This race in particular was selected after a few glasses of prosecco on New Year’s Eve. The promise of stunning views and a relatively flat course made it the ideal half marathon for us.

“We trained together from spring through to autumn with a mix of interval running, strength training and yoga.

“Having this as a common goal to work towards together made it so much easier to stay motivated.”

The challenge

The Rannoch half marathon, set against the backdrop of Loch Rannoch, offers a picturesque but challenging course along the north and south shores.

“The last kilometre was by far the hardest,” said Mathilde. “I remember being driven by pure determination and some curated songs off my running playlist.

“Crossing the finish line was nothing short of overwhelming, physically and emotionally with the relief of finishing and the sense of achievement of completing the challenge.”

The runners’ initial hope had been to raise £10 for every kilometre they ran. Their incredible fundraising now means they have surpassed this ambition, with a total of £720 raised.

“We didn't manage to set up our Just Giving page until a week before the run, so we thought £10 per kilometre would be a reasonable target,” said Mathilde.

“We were blown away by the generosity from everyone who donated and are so proud to have raised over thrice as much as we set out to. Simply put: thank you!”

Mathilde and Gavin at the finish line, pictured with friend Iain (on left) who ran with them.

- You can still show your support for Gavin and Mathilde by donating on their JustGiving page.

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