“The more painful it is when someone passes, it just means you cared for them all that much more. "

Kris Procek is taking on the fundraising challenge of the Edinburgh Marathon today (Sunday 24 May) in aid of Strathcarron in memory of his Nana Madge, his mum Cathy and dad Raymond.

Kris, from Bonnybridge, wants to raise money to ensure others can receive Hospice care when they need it.

After taking part in various fundraising activities for Strathcarron, Kris wanted to fulfil his ambition of completing a marathon before he turned 50.

Kris said: “My Nana Margaret Moore known as ‘Madge’ spent her final days in the hospice. My mum and sister were away for the weekend. We got a call to say Nana had passed away during the night with my uncle and aunt by her side.

“It was my first experience of loss and I expected it to be a sombre affair when we arrived – but I could hear laughter coming from the family room as they were all talking about nostalgic memories and stories of her. It seemed a bit confusing at first to me to hear the laughter, but it was actually really positive and supportive. The staff were with them making them a cup of tea and something to eat. We were all so relived my Nana was no longer suffering.

“The staff couldn’t do enough for Nana. Strathcarron has always held a strong place in my heart.”

In the last few years Kris experienced further loss. His dad Raymond and mum Cathy both sadly passed away due to terminal cancer very quickly following diagnosis.

Cathy and Raymond

Kris added: “I know mum and dad would have been comfortable to come to Strathcarron but things progressed too quickly.  Mum was only 60 when she died, she was robbed of the rest of her life. She only found out she had a terminal diagnosis on the Friday and died on the Sunday. It was so quick.

“Death and loss is part of life.

“The more painful it is when someone passes, it just means you cared for them all that much more. 

“We should enjoy life and embrace it, and push ourselves every day, as we don’t know how long we have got left in this life. We should try and help those that are less fortunate than ourselves - we never know when we will need that help ourselves.

“Everyone we know has been touched by the services of the Hospice in some way.

“If no one fundraises, then Strathcarron won’t be there, and I know how important it is. We can’t just leave it to other people.

“I wouldn’t like to think what those last few weeks and days would be like for the person and their loved ones without the hospice.

“I know every penny raised is going to a good cause.”

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Published 24 May 2026