TV presenter Cat Cubie and Miss GB Deone Robertson were among those running
TV presenter Cat Cubie paid tribute to a law student who died from a rare form of cancer as thousands of women across Scotland tackled muddy obstacle courses to help beat the disease.
The BBC Scotland star was one of more than 5,700 runners at the 5K Pretty Muddy event in Glasgow’s Bellahouston Park on Saturday.
Another 4,600 women took up the challenge at the Royal Highland Centre, Islington, with all funds going to Cancer Research UK.
Cubie ran as part of Kate’s army, a 50-strong group who have raised more than £4,000 for the charity in honour of Kate Bowman, who died in June aged 25.
The pair firstmet last summer when they were both VIPs at Pretty Muddy Glasgow. They had vowed to return this year to complete the challenge together but instead Cubie joined Kate’s sisters, Laura Bowman, 30, and Elaine Docherty, 28, to complete the course.
“Kate battled - and battled is the right word because she was such a fighter,” said Cubie.
“She was just 23 when diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She was a beautiful person inside and out. She was so strong.
“I first met Kate when we did a photoshoot to promote Pretty Muddy. We had both hoped to actually take part in the 5K but I was advised not to as I was pregnant at the time and although Kate really wanted to, sadly chemotherapy stopped Kate.
“I feel so sad she’s not here. I’m honoured to be part of Kate’s army. We’re all in this together and we’re going to get you cancer.”
Also running in Glasgow was Miss Great Britain Deone Robertson, who dedicated her medal to her aunt Cathie Neil in recognition of her remarkable courage during two fights with cancer.
The 28-year-old, who was chosen as VIP starter for the event, said: “I feel so proud to be part of a powerful, passionate pink army of women at the frontline in the fight against cancer.
“The one thought which pushed me on to the finish line at Pretty Muddy was just how brave my Auntie Cathie has been through cancer over many years.
“She’s my mum’s sister and we’re a really close family. I’m so proud of how she’s taken everything life has thrown at her head on.
“I’m also really keen to support Cancer Research UK as I know cancer is something which affects almost every family. It touches so many lives but events like Pretty Muddy are a chance to fight back, to find a way to come together to beat cancer.”
Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life events manager for Glasgow, Angela Wilson, said the charity was hugely grateful to everyone who took part in the weekend’s events.
She added: “The atmosphere was full of emotion with participants wearing signs on their backs declaring their reasons for taking part.
“Many will be remembering loved ones lost to cancer or celebrating the lives of people dear to them who have survived.”
