Family Raises Over £10,000 for Edinburgh Cancer Centre Research After Mum’s Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis

A Lothian family has raised more than £10,000 for cancer research after taking on three gruelling endurance challenges inspired by the ovarian cancer diagnosis of wife and mum, Mary Muir.

Richard Muir and his sons Murray and Ramsay raised £10,496.29 for NHS Lothian Charity’s Edinburgh Cancer Centre Research Fund after completing a HYROX fitness challenge, a 100km cycling challenge and a 110km ultra marathon through the Scottish Highlands.

The family decided to fundraise after witnessing the dedication and compassion of the teams who supported Mary through treatment. Wanting to give something back, they took on the challenges to support research that could lead to improved treatments and brighter futures for other patients and families facing cancer.

Richard teamed up with a friend to take part in a demanding HYROX fitness challenge, testing his strength, endurance, and determination across a series of functional fitness workouts and running events.

Meanwhile Ramsay took on a 100km cycling challenge, covering the distance through determination and dedication and adding his own contribution to the family’s fundraising efforts.

Murray then embarked on an extraordinary 110km ultra marathon across the Scottish Highlands, completed over two days alongside a friend. The challenge saw them navigate some of Scotland’s most breathtaking yet demanding landscapes, requiring resilience, perseverance, and countless hours of preparation.

The Muir family’s collective efforts inspired generous support from friends, family, colleagues, and their wider community, raising an impressive £10,496.29 for research into cancer.

The money raised will support groundbreaking research at the Edinburgh Cancer Centre, helping researchers and clinicians continue their work to improve treatments, outcomes, and care for people affected by cancer, including ovarian cancer, across Lothian and beyond.

Richard Muir said:

“I remember the day like it was yesterday when Mary was told “you’ve got cancer”. For Mary who had never had a day’s illness in her life, the impact of those three words was life changing. For Murray, Ramsay and me, the gravity of those three words and how they shape your everyday thoughts is difficult to put into words, they are with you every day. That was back in May 2020 when Mary was told she had an advanced grade 3 Ovarian Cancer. We were locked down with covid, but the NHS was there and kicked in to action immediately. Two operations, time in hospital, chemotherapy, course of drug treatments over four years and regular meetings with Rachel Nirsimloo (Mary’s oncologist) saw her clear of cancer.

“Sadly, in December 2025 the cancer re-appeared (Ovarian Cancer has one of the highest rates of return at 75%) Mary was back into hospital for another operation, and the same wonderful level and standard of care was delivered at the ERI and from Rachel and her team at the cancer centre. Mary received six more chemotherapy sessions.

“Murray, Ramsay and I were so grateful for the care and expertise that had helped and supported Mary, it was an easy decision to try and give something back in whatever way we could to support research into ovarian cancer. We all trained for the challenges – I kicked that off with a colleague doing the Hyrox in Glasgow, Ramsay followed with the 100km bike ride, and we all headed north to Loch Ness in support of Murray and his good friend Craig doing the 2-day 110km Ultra Marathon through the woods and hills around the loch. Even with all the effort and a bit of pain, it was always the right thing to be doing not just for the fundraise, but as a massive thankyou to all that work to help others through these very difficult times!

Many of our wider family and friends supported us in all the challenges, and to the many who donated to our Just Giving Charity pages, we are truly so grateful for their generosity in supporting this wonderful charity.”

Tumong Edwards, Community Fundraiser, NHS Lothian Charity, said:

“The commitment shown by Richard, Murray and Ramsay has been truly inspiring. Taking on a HYROX challenge, a 110km ultra marathon in the Scottish Highlands and a 100km cycling challenge is no small feat, and to collectively raise more than £10,000 is an outstanding achievement. On behalf of everyone at NHS Lothian Charity, I would like to thank the Muir family and everyone who supported them. The money raised will help support important research at the Edinburgh Cancer Centre, bringing hope to patients and their families.”

Rachel Nirsimloo, Consultant Oncologist, said:

“Richard, Murray and Ramsay’s fundraising achievement is both extraordinary and deeply touching. Having experienced first-hand the impact of an ovarian cancer diagnosis within their family, they have chosen to channel that experience into raising funds that will benefit future patients. Their generosity will help support research that is essential to advancing cancer care and improving outcomes for people affected by cancer. We are immensely thankful for their support and congratulate them on completing such impressive challenges.”

The Muir family’s remarkable achievement highlights the power of determination, teamwork and community spirit. Their fundraising success will help support innovative cancer research projects that aim to improve understanding, diagnosis and treatment of cancer, making a lasting difference to patients.

Everyone at NHS Lothian Charity extends their heartfelt thanks to Richard, Ramsay and Murray for their incredible efforts and generosity in support of Edinburgh Cancer Centre Research.