NF1 Super Warriors Conall and Kayden’s Race to Race Awareness
The theme of this year’s AJ Bell Junior and Mini Great Scottish Run is ‘Finding Your Superpower,’ and we’re celebrating some of the incredible young runners who embody this spirit.
It’s a full weekend of running at this year’s AJ Bell Great Scottish Run for Mum Kirsty and sons Conall 8 and Kayden 4. They’ll be participating for a charity that holds deep significance for them, Tumour Support Scotland. Kirsty’s son, Kayden, who was born with Plexiformneurofibroma tumours which grow in NF1, along with his older brother, Conall aged 8, will be running in the Junior and mini event on Saturday with Dad Caolan, followed by Kirsty taking on the 10km distance on Sunday.
NF1 is rare condition that impacts Kayden’s day-to-day life and can present like Autism. Born with 2 tumours, one at each side of his chest, he has speech delays and muscle fatigue, “Kayden’s legs tire easily, and he struggles with walking long distances. This race is a challenge for him, but we hope it’ll show him that he can push through and achieve great things,” says Kirsty.
The family is running to raise funds for Tumour Support Scotland, a charity that has been crucial in providing emotional and educational support. “There are no NF1 specialists in Scotland. The charity helps us navigate the daily challenges looking at the bigger picture. They’ve helped us with education for Kayden to other things like organising family camps in Scotland, where we can go at the weekends for support with other families, so we don’t feel so on our own with a rare condition,” she adds.
Beyond fundraising, the family wants to raise awareness of NF1, a condition unfamiliar to many. They hope to shine a light on the importance of support for families facing similar challenges.
Big brother Conall also has big aspirations for finding a cure for NF1 saying, “I’m running because I am proud of my little brother and when I am older, I plan to be a scientist and find a cure or treatment for NF1.”
The 2024 AJ Bell Junior & Mini Great Scottish Run is SOLD OUT. If you missed out this year, sign up to our reminder here to find out when 2025 entries open.
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