What would Dr Graham make of the DGHUK Cross-Scotland Hope Run, a 220-mile charity fun run from Cardross to Edinburgh?

As one of Scotland’s most famously inventive and energetic campaigners, we suspect he’d heartily approve. In fact he’d probably be running the route himself!

The 48-hour fundraiser, created by DGHUK supporter Michael Scott and slated for spring 2024, has been designed around some key landmarks from Dr Graham’s past - and the organisers are looking for more people to join them and help to raise money for sponsored children at the Homes.

Who is it for?

Don’t be put off by the phrase “epic run” - it’s actually for everyone and all abilities. The Hope Run isn’t a race or an ultramarathon. It takes the form of a continuous relay, so each participant tackles a section of the route before handing on to the next person. There will be a main team of eight runners travelling the route in 30-minute segments (or whatever intervals the team collectively agrees to run the route in). But you can join them by running, jogging or even walking one of the stages if you’d like to be involved. The event is open to both individuals and groups. So you can team up with friends and family too.

What’s the route?

The run will begin on the west coast of Scotland at Cardross Parish Church, which was John Anderson Graham’s boyhood kirk. It then loops 120 miles north - with a hop on the Dunoon ferry - to Troon. On Day 2, the runners will head 100 miles east to Glasgow, before joining the Forth and Clyde Canal trail to the finish line in Edinburgh. The final stop is Dr Graham’s home kirk in Edinburgh, Stockbridge Parish Church. The Rev John McLeod and his Stockbridge congregation will be on hand to welcome the runners, their families and supporters with bacon rolls and coffee on arrival.

Could you be involved?

If you’re going to be anywhere near Scotland next spring and would like to support the Hope Run, Michael and the organising committee would be delighted to have you on board. There are a number of ways you can get involved:

Run! - the main team of runners is being put together now, and there are still spaces available

Walk - you can join in by tackling a section of the route at walking speed instead

Support - you can visit the route and cheer on the participants

Donate - if you’d like to help the runners with their fundraising, you can donate to the cause - all proceeds will go to DGHUK to help sponsor children at Dr Graham’s Homes.

How do you sign up?

To find out more about the Hope Run and sign up for the challenge, or to send a donation, please get in touch with Michael Scott by email. You can message him at his email address for all the latest details, including cost and dates. He will send you an application form and tell you everything you need to know about the event.

Know any keen runners who might be up for the adventure? Why not ask them if they’d like to get involved. The organising team will be really pleased to hear from them.

Editor: Watch this space for more on the DGHUK Cross-Scotland Hope Run. We’ll keep you updated with the latest details here on the blog.