The former area commander of policing for Mid Argyll, Kintyre, Oban, Lorn and the Islands is preparing to step out on a charity challenge to help give the youngsters of her community the playpark they deserve.
Marlene Baillie, who retired from her role as chief inspector in 2022, is warming up to run the West Highland Way Race, a 95-mile ultra-marathon from Milngavie to Fort William, during which she will climb more than 14,000ft.
She is taking on this feat, which kicks off at 1am on Saturday June 22, in a bid to raise funds for Carradale Activity Playpark, which is currently closed because of safety concerns.
Not for the faint-hearted, the ultra-marathon must be completed within 35 hours and although Marlene must do it herself, she can be supported along the route.
Her support team includes Trish Collins, Mary Semple, Kenny Semple, Ann Devine, Cathy Cameron, Lorna Campbell, Angela Sinclair and Lesley Devine, who will be able to walk, run and encourage her around the route, ensuring she remains hydrated and fed.
“As you can imagine, this is a mammoth task for Marlene,” said Trish. “Carradale Activity Playpark is desperately in need of an upgrade.
“We had to close it after some safety issues were identified and now children and parents have to make a 30-mile round trip to their nearest playpark.
“Our committee has been working hard, raising funds to get it up to standard and purchase new equipment but it is going to cost us in the region of £70,000 to have this work carried out.
“We were delighted when Marlene told us that she intends to run the West Highland Way Race to raise funds for our charity. We are so happy that she is doing this for us.”
To sponsor Marlene, visit her Go Fund Me page at gofund.me/49e37d7a or donations can be made at Carradale Community Shop.
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