Friends take on marathon in memory of Aberdeen University graduate William

A group of friends have decided to run a marathon in memory of their friend and trainee surgeon William Reid.

William, known as Will, died aged 25 in a skiing accident last year while on a family holiday in the French Alps.

The trainee surgeon had graduated from Aberdeen Medical School before doing foundation training in Newcastle as he prepared for his future career.

A year on, his friends and brother will take to the UK streets to run 26.2 miles to fundraise for Edinburgh bases Cyrenians as well as Zambia’s Baraka Community Partnership who opened a school in Will’s honour.

Cameron, who is Will’s younger brother, tells us the idea behind running the marathon and why it’s important to raise awareness around the potential dangers when skiing.

Six of them will take on the challenge in Edinburgh today, starting at George Heriot’s School before finishing at Will’s memorial plaque on Blackford Hill.

Three others will do their own marathon in London, Glasgow and Inverness.

James Barclay, who came up with the idea, explains what it has been like training for the event under Covid-19 restrictions and their plans to follow guidelines on the day.

To donate to the cause or for more information visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/willreidrun