The 32-year-old was inspired to get his running shoes out after the myotonic dystrophy gene was identified in his family, with the diagnosis of two cousins, also from Dundee, six months ago.
My 25-year-old cousin Alicia saw a doctor after experiencing cramping in her hands. When one family member is identified with a condition others are always tested and the diagnosis for her brother Alistair, 30, came soon afterwards.
Gary said that thankfully other family members have tested negative but it inspired him to sign up and train for a full marathon – in Miami – despite having literally never done more than a 5k run, two years ago.
I just want to give something to the charity which is fundraising for the research towards finding a cure
said Gary who described early training as ‘very hard.’
My attitude is to just crack on – I see the job of training as a due diligence – I got to 18 miles a day three days a week before setting out for Miami.
Miami began their marathons in 2003 and now allow 25,000 to sign up, which has sold out for the last eight years running. A relatively flat course, it can be a very humid run.
It’s hard-hitting when hearing of diagnosis is brought into the family. It makes me incredibly appreciative for something we typically take for granted.
Gary trained every lunchtime through the winter and he was joined by his friend Shannon Casey who flew out to Miami to do the run with him.
I spent some years working in the states and have quite a lot of friends in Miami – who were there to cheer me on.
Muscular Dystrophy regional development manager, Scotland, Dean Widd said:
Gary’s grit and determination in taking on the challenge of completing the Miami Marathon to help make every day count for his cousins and those with myotonic muscular dystrophy is both inspiring and greatly appreciated.
Gary has raised £746.59 in donations in support of Muscular Dystrophy UK.
You can support Gary on JustGiving.