Neil and Grant’s Story: Running with a purpose – from couch to 5K to marathon

For Neil and Grant from Public Health Scotland, the Edinburgh Marathon Festival 2025 marked another milestone in their ongoing commitment to supporting our treasured NHS – and another year of running with purpose.

Their journey began in 2020 when Grant injured his ankle playing football. As part of his recovery, his physio suggested trying Couch to 5K. Despite never having been a runner, Grant gave it a go – and things quickly snowballed from there. Since then, both Grant and Neil have added new goals and new distances, always fuelled by the motivation of running for a cause that matters.

Grant completed the (virtual) Edinburgh Half Marathon in 2021, inspiring Neil to join him in 2023 for the Hairy Haggis Relay. In 2024, they both took on the full marathon – and in 2025, Neil returned for his second marathon while Grant tackled the half marathon (this time in person) once again.

Each year, they’ve raised money to support projects across NHS Lothian that enhance patient comfort and care, and staff wellbeing. And while you might expect fundraising to get harder over time, Neil and Grant continue to defy expectations – raising over £1,400 this year alone and collectively they have raised £5,084.56

Their motivation? A shared belief in the importance of supporting the NHS and the people behind it.

Despite the chaotic weather, I’m so happy about the way the day went!” Neil said. “It was just brilliant with all you supporters, getting under 4 hours (just!) and the money we’ve raised. I’ve managed to thank most of those who donated, and I keep telling them that they’ve done something great by supporting such a brilliant charity as NHS Lothian Charity! Everyone is a winner in this process!”

Neil also reflected on the day, and how far he’s come since he first signed up for the Hairy Haggis Relay:

This has been 3 years in the making since the Hairy Haggis relay and being inspired to run a marathon last year and then to get under 4 hours this year. I still look back to 2023 and think how far personally, I have come with my running journey (from Hairy Haggis relay and 10 km being my longest distance to now under a 4 hour marathon) and how being involved with NHS Lothian Charity gave me that encouragement and confidence to achieve these marathons!

“Thank you so much for all your support and encouragement! It will be one of those days I will never forget and it was a Team event as I couldn’t have done it without you all and all the supporters along the way!

“That was an amazing set up with the stall and massage (and the food and water) so thanks so much!”

We’re incredibly proud to have dedicated supporters like Neil and Grant as part of our NHS Lothian Charity team. Their commitment to coming back year after year shows just how rewarding it can be to keep running for a cause you believe in.

They’re a brilliant example of how fundraising can grow into something bigger, and we hope their story inspires others to lace up again and again to support patients, families and staff across NHS Lothian.