An Aberdeen schoolgirl who had never been a runner has completed a 50km challenge to raise money for Mrs Murray’s Home for Stray Dogs and Cats, in memory of her much-loved dog Ruby.
Eleven-year-old Abigail MacBeath, a pupil at Dyce Primary School, challenged herself to run 50km and complete 1,000 sit-ups during the October holidays after Ruby, her best friend, sadly passed away.
Wanting to do something positive in Ruby’s memory, Abigail deliberately chose running because it was something she had never done before and knew she would find difficult.
Over the past few weeks, she has taken part in adult and junior parkruns, run with her dad Craig and mum Kelly, and even headed out in the dark to keep adding to her total. Her efforts also caught the attention of Eclat Running Club, which presented Abigail with a special hat and invited her to join its Thursday training sessions.
On Tuesday, 20 October, Abigail aptly completed the final run of her 50km challenge at Mrs Murray’s.
Abigail said: “When Ruby passed away, I felt so sad and cried so much, that I would never see my best friend again. All I wanted was a Ruby cuddle. We grew up together and I got to love her every single day. Any time I was sad all I needed to do was hug Ruby and she made me happy again. She was so special to me, I miss her so much, but this challenge has helped me.
“The hardest part was at the beginning because I didn’t know if I would manage it. But when I thought about doing it for the dogs and cats at Mrs Murray’s, and for Ruby, it made it much easier.
“My favourite part has been seeing the fundraising total going up every day. It makes you realise that the work you’ve done has made a difference and that people really care about what I’m doing and about Mrs Murray’s.
“I’d tell anyone to have a go at doing a challenge. Even when it’s hard, knowing you’re helping other people makes it worth it. If there’s something you really want to do, just give it a go!”
Eleven-year-old Abigail MacBeath (front and centre, with Pookie the dog) celebrates completing her 50km fundraising challenge at Mrs Murray’s Home for Stray Dogs and Cats, undertaken in memory of her much-loved dog and best friend.
Abigail’s parents, Kelly and Craig MacBeath, said they could not be prouder of her determination. Craig said: “To go from not being a runner to completing this challenge has been so impressive. There have been nights when she really didn’t want to go out, but she did it because she cares about this so much.
“We often hear about the negative side of the internet, but this has shown us the positive side too. Complete strangers have donated, liked, and shared Abigail’s story, and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported her.”
As Abigail’s story spread, the team at Mrs Murray’s surprised her by turning up to support her at the finish line of one of her 5km beach runs.
There was another special welcome waiting as she completed her final kilometres at Mrs Murray’s. Dogs and their owners lined the route to cheer her on, while family members, her school teacher, local dog walkers, and the Mrs Murray’s team gathered to celebrate her achievement.
Alan Grant, Chair of Mrs Murray’s Home for Stray Dogs and Cats, said: “What Abigail has done is remarkable. She took the sadness of losing Ruby and turned it into something incredibly positive, choosing a challenge she knew would be difficult because she wanted to make a difference in her memory.
“For someone of just 11 years old to show that determination and kindness is very special. Fundraising like this means so much to an independent charity like ours, and every pound Abigail has raised will help us continue caring for animals across Aberdeen and the North-east. I think Ruby would be very proud of her.”
For Abigail, it was a fitting end to a challenge which began with the loss of one very special dog, but went on to inspire support from animal lovers across the community.
Mrs Murray’s Home for Stray Dogs and Cats has cared for stray, abandoned, and unwanted animals in Aberdeen and the North-east since 1889. Alongside its rescue and rehoming work, the independent charity provides boarding services and operates a pet foodbank for local owners experiencing financial hardship.
Abigail originally set her target at £500, but as of today has raised £5,267.50 through her challenge, with donations still welcome at https://www.justgiving.com/page/abigail-macbeath-1?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL