Three runners have set their sights on a marathon effort to raise funds for defibrillators after one was used in Forres to save the life of a relative and friend.
David McCulloch was out running with Forres Jogscotland on 25 March, when he suffered a cardiac arrest. Passers-by reacted quickly, and he was given CPR and a shock from a defibrillator located only metres away from where David collapsed, at Forres Community Centre.
Now his brother-in-law Paul Rogan, niece Kirstie Rogan and friend Craig Rowley, who were already signed up to run marathons in London and Manchester, are raising funds for Keiran’s Legacy, a charity that installs and maintains the life-saving devices across the region.
Quick reaction
Paul said: “It was down to this quick reaction of passers-by that David’s heart was started again and his life was saved. Defibrillators around Moray are installed and managed by Keiran.s Legacy.”
“David is the 24th person to be saved by defibrillators donated and/or operated by Keiran’s Legacy and we would like to support them in not only providing more defibrillators but to also help them provide first aid training in schools and the community.
Paul, who is an Active Schools Co-ordinator, is running the Manchester Marathon with colleague and fellow runner Craig Rowley. Paul’s daughter Kirstie is running the London Marathon.
Kirstie said: “To be able to race the London Marathon and raise money for the amazing charity that saved my uncle’s life feels like a very special thing to do this year.
Inspiration
“David actually was one of the reasons I was inspired to do London Marathon. I remember watching him run it in 2010 and I decided then that London was going to be my first marathon.
“I have qualified for a championship place, so aim to race it in around three hours. I ran it in 2023 when I was 22 weeks pregnant, so this time will be a very different experience for me.”
Paul added: “My first marathon was also David’s first at San Francisco in 2009. We then went on to do the London marathon a number of times.
“After suffering with illness on and off since a dose of Covid in December 2022 I didn’t think I’d ever race again. However I really wanted to do the London Marathon one more time with my eldest two children, Andrew and Kirstie.
“To make this happen in 2026 I need to get a ‘good for age’ qualifying time at Manchester this year. At 55 I need to try and get as close to three hours to guarantee a slot.”
Keiran’s legacy
He explained the impact Keiran’s Legacy is having in the community.
“We all work with children, young people and volunteers and we see at first hand the benefit of the charity not only on providing defibrillators but also training courses to all age groups.
“We have all come across Keiran’s story in the media, work capacity and in our local community. We know many people who have fundraised and been involved with the charity. We are very aware of the great work the charity do.
“We did not expect this to happen to our family but it did and because of Keiran’s Legacy, David’s life was saved.
Craig started running during the Covid 19 pandemic: “During that time I was looking for ways to stay fit and get out the house. Running was a good fit for me, I would set myself little challenges to keep myself motivated and I enjoyed the opportunity to progress.
“I’ve kept it going ever since. I’ve covered a variety of different distanced races since then and now I felt was the time to progress onto the Marathon and challenge myself at that 26.2 mile race in Manchester.”
Fundraising target
The trio set a fundraising target of £1500 and have already met their target, however, donations are still welcome through their official fundraising page.
David has been a runner for many years, starting out as a beginner at Forres Jogscotland. He then joined Forres Harriers and has done many 10ks, half marathons and marathons. He become a Forres Jogscotland leader and has been sharing his love and enthusiasm for running with others for many years.
After spending three weeks in hospital, he got home at the weekend and is now recovering there with his family.
Donate at: https://wonderful.org/fundraisers/ndprL
Pictured are, left to right, Craig Rowley, Kirstie Rogan and Paul Rogan.
Note: The defib was originally funded and installed by Forres Rotary but maintenance was passed to Keirans Legacy a couple of years later.
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