A Cumbernauld footballer is doing a 10K run every day for 50 days in tribute to his beloved aunt to raise funds for the hospice where she died.

 

Kieran Brass, who captains side Condorrat Amateurs FC, decided to set himself the challenge after his aunty Michelle McCarroll was cared for by Strathcarron Hospice.

 

Michelle spent over five weeks in Strathcarron before she passed away on 16 January 2026.

 

Kieran will poignantly complete his final 10K run on 17 July – on what would have been Michelle’s 50^th birthday.

 

Kieran, who works at BAE Systems in Glasgow, said: “Michelle was the bravest woman I’d ever met. She had a long hard fight against cancer and boy did she put up a fight. I know the last few years were tough for her. She was such a huge part of my family’s life and she’s missed every day. Michelle was my mum Nicky’s only sister - they were really close.

 

“My aunt went through a lot of hard times but whenever she saw me she would always give me a hug and a smile, she was just lovely to be around. Throughout it all she always just tried her best and had a wonderful big personality.

 

“There was one charity that meant a lot to her and was fantastic throughout, making her feel at ease in her last few weeks - that charity being Strathcarron Hospice.

 

“Everything about Strathcarron was wholesome and felt like home. Whenever I was there, Michelle spoke highly about being able to look outside and see the garden and the ducks and she received an amazing level of care. She made friends with everyone and the staff were lovely. She bonded with one of the staff in particular and when you saw them together it was like they had known each other for years.

 

“Michelle’s five children – my cousins - are very supportive about me fundraising for Strathcarron. On the day when she passed we were there together as a family.

It has been really tough for them losing their mum. A couple of them are going to join me for the final runs. It will be emotional when we complete it together.

 

“I will be finishing my last run at her house which will be followed with a family party in her favourite place - her garden at home in Kilsyth.”

 

It is not the first time Kieran has run in aid of Strathcarron Hospice. Kieran took part in the annual Strathcarron Hospice 10K when he was a teenager in 2013 – receiving a trophy for coming first in his age group. His Gran’s sister was looked after by the Hospice at the time and he wanted to help give something back by fundraising.

 

Kieran added: “When I go through tough times like this I feel the best way for me to cope with it is to go out for a run.

 

“My legs are starting to feel it - it’s tough on the body, but mentally I am using my memories and thoughts of my auntie as motivation to keep going. When I come in from work and feel tired I think I can’t face it sometimes, but a lot of people have supported me and donated and it’s driving me forward and keeping me focussed. It’s helping me with the grief.”

 

You can donate to Kieran’s challenge in aid of Strathcarron Hospice here: https://gofund.me/23e16bf28

 

Strathcarron Hospice provides specialist palliative care and expert end of life care for the people of Forth Valley, Cumbernauld and Kilsyth. The Hospice cares for people with illnesses that cannot be cured including cancer, lung, heart or kidney failure and a range of non-malignant and neurological diseases. Strathcarron is also actively involved in research and education in palliative care.

 

Strathcarron Hospice needs £19,452 a day to provide specialist care and support to enable people to live and die well, making every moment count.

 

 Find out more about  Fundraising involvement | Strathcarron Hospice 

Published 8 July 2026