For most brides-to-be, running the London Marathon just seven weeks before your wedding day would be one task too far, but for one Dundee woman it is the opportunity to raise vital funds for a charity close to her future in-laws’ hearts.
A week on Sunday, Kirsty Ferry (26), who works in the marketing department of the Insights learning and development company, will swap dress fittings and table arrangements for the gruelling 26-mile slog around the capital.
Originally from Manchester, Kirsty has been in Dundee for two years after graduating from St Andrews University where she met fiance Stuart Gibson (30), a pipe fitter who works offshore.
While she joked it would ensure she fits into her dress come the big day, Kirsty is undertaking the marathon in aid of Headway, the brain injury charity that provided essential respite and support to Stuart’s family after his older brother Gavin was involved in a horrific car accident 16 years ago.
Gavin was only 19 at the time of the crash. He and two friends were driving along the narrow Anstruther to St Andrews road when they collided with another car.
“Gavin’s two friends had to have pins in their legs but Gavin was in a coma for about six weeks in a specialist unit in Edinburgh,” said Kirsty.
“Stuart was only 14 at the time so he saw a massive change in his family.
“He’s very close to his brothers and they are a very close-knit family.
“When Gavin came round from the coma, Headway helped the family in an informal way, caring for Gavin and giving them a bit of respite.”
Headway seeks to provide information, support and services to people with a brain injury, their families and carers.
Kirsty has already raised £2000 for Headway as sponsorship has rolled in ahead of the marathon next Sunday.