A son is running the length of Scotland - completing close to a marathon a day - to raise money for the Hospice where his mum was cared for when she passed away.

Gregor Yates’s mum Aileen spent her final days in the care of Strathcarron Hospice in 2023.

Keen runner Gregor has decided to take on a 420 mile run over 17 days from Kirk Yetholm in the South of Scotland to Cape Wrath in the north – roughly a marathon a day, with over 50,000ft of ascent.

The route links together several iconic Scottish trails, including St Cuthbert’s Way, the Cross Borders Drove Route, the Forth and Clyde and Union Canal towpaths, The West Highland Way, The Great Glen Way and the Cape Wrath Trail.

Gregor (42), who lives in Killearn, said: “During that short period, the staff did everything to make sure she was comfortable, calm and at peace. Nothing was too much trouble.

"Since then I’ve wanted to do something meaningful to honour my mum’s life and raise money for the hospice.

"This is one of the hardest things I will ever have done, but I’m sure I will look back on it as one of the best.

"While a huge amount of planning has gone into this, the logistics are not easy. I will be staying somewhere different every night and relying on friends and family for support, keeping up with food, kit and recovery will require a lot of planning.

"Running a marathon every day over difficult terrain for 17 days will be challenging, but above all I will be motivated in honouring my mum and raising money for Strathcarron.

"I will draw motivation from the support I receive and the journey itself – the daily progress, the places I will pass through and the people I’ll meet. I’m motivated by the sense of finishing and the relief it will bring and the perspective that comes with it.

"If you have a loved one who spent time in Strathcarron Hospice and would like to sponsor me – this will motivate me even in the toughest moments.”

Strathcarron Hospice Community Fundraiser Amy Petale said: “We would like to thank Gregor for taking on this incredible challenge of running across Scotland in memory of his mum Aileen. This will be a tough physical and mental challenge for Gregor, and we are grateful for his dedication, motivation and generosity in choosing to support Strathcarron.

“Strathcarron Hospice needs £19,452 a day to provide our vital services for palliative care and end of life patients and their loved ones. Every life matters, every gift counts.”

Donate to Gregor's challenge here Running Scotland | Strathcarron Hospice

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Published 11 May 2026