Conservation biologist Emma Whalley has swapped tracking rare wildlife in Madagascar for marathon running, completing the Edinburgh Marathon in a heartfelt tribute to her late grandfather.
A Tribute to Her Grandfather
Emma Whalley undertook the 26.2-mile challenge in memory of her grandfather, Tom Whalley, who passed away in December at the age of 84. Tom, a Cheshire dairy farmer, was cared for in his final months by the Hospice @Home team from East Cheshire Hospice.
Emma explained the profound impact the hospice had, stating it made her grandfather's final wish possible. "The Hospice did an incredible job, making it possible for grandad to keep his wish to stay at home rather than go into hospital," she said. "The nurses checked on him every day and made sure my gran was okay."
The Inspiration Behind the Fundraising
Although Emma had signed up for the run before her grandfather's passing, the support from East Cheshire Hospice solidified her fundraising choice. "Once the Hospice got involved, supporting him for those last few months, it was an absolute no-brainer who I wanted to fundraise for," she shared.
This motivation spurred her on to raise an impressive £1,410 for the charity. Emma, who grew up on a dairy farm, credits her active upbringing and her grandparents as a major inspiration for taking on the challenge.
From Conservation to the Finish Line
While Emma is accustomed to long journeys, leading three-month student expeditions to Madagascar every summer, long-distance running was a new frontier. She successfully conquered her first marathon and has now been bitten by the running bug.
"A marathon was on my bucket list and now I’ve got the buzz I’d like to do another one," she revealed.
Her next major journey, however, is a return to her professional passion. "I return to Madagascar next June for another field project," Emma said, describing the island as a "biologists’ and nature lovers’ paradise" with its unique and rare wildlife.
