Edinburgh woman raising funds for fiancé with incurable condition

A SUPPORT worker is set to participate in her first running challenge after her fiance was diagnosed with an incurable condition.

Toni-Ray White is raising funds for the charity that granted her and her sweetheart Graham Barker a holiday of a lifetime. Picture: contributed.

Toni-Ray White will take part in the Great Edinburgh Winter Run when it’s held in the Capital in January in a bid to raise money for a cystic fibrosis charity.

Her partner, Graham Bell, 26, suffers from the lung condition and has been told he won’t live past his mid-30s.

But despite this, Toni-Ray says he inspires her every day with his enthusiasm for exercise.

The 25-year-old has vowed to complete the 5k before they tie the knot at their wedding in 2017.

Toni-Ray said: “Graham and I have been together for 12 years so I have always been aware of his condition and how it affects his daily life.

“Despite having a painful lung condition, Graham has always tried to be as fit and healthy as possible and has taken part in running events before for charity.

“I decided that 2017 would be the year I did the same and when I feel like it’s getting tough, knowing what Graham goes through will keep me going.”

Toni-Ray will be running to raise money for the Butterfly Trust, who arranged for the couple to go on their dream holiday to Disney World in Florida.

She said: “It is so sad that his life expectancy is limited but the Butterfly Trust have done everything possible over the years to make sure Graham has the best outcome in life.

“It has always been a dream of ours to go to Disney and with the help of the trust, we were able to go there for his birthday.”

She added: “Although a lot of people do not always know Graham suffers from cystic fibrosis, even fewer know about the daily struggles that people with the condition face.

“I hope that by completing this event, I can do Graham proud and also raise more awareness about the condition so a cure can be found in the future.”

The Great Edinburgh Winter Run is returning to Arthur’s Seat on Saturday, January 7, where 3000 runners are expected to take on the 5k course.

The event starts and finishes in Holyrood Park, and offers runners “spectacular” views of the city according to organisers.

To enter, visit: Greatrun.org/Winter