Swindon Railston workers complete race in colleague’s memory (From Swindon Advertiser)

Swindon Railston workers complete race in colleague’s memory

9:30am Thursday 7th March 2013 in News By Emma Dunn

DOZENS of Railston employees donned their trainers in memory of a colleague at the weekend.

A team of 22 employees from the company in Royal Wootton Bassett, took part in the Bath Half Marathon on Sunday in memory of contracts manager, 50-year-old Iain Robertson, who died of a brain tumour in November.

The team have raised £6,653 for Prospect Hospice so far, and will continue to raise funds in his memory for the rest of the year.

Iain’s wife, Kerry, of Grange Park, who took part in the event, said: “Iain was an amazing man and was always there if you needed him.

“Last year, he was diagnosed with a grade 4 brain tumour and just a few short months later he lost his battle just weeks before christmas.

“He left behind our very young family and thanks to Prospect Hospice, myself and Iain were able to have some special moments together, including a christening ceremony at Prospect for our new little baby born in September last year, two visits home, two meals out and very importantly for Iain a visit to the cinema to see Skyfall.

“All of these visits are accompanied by a nurse and a designated driver. They also still provide support to families after their loved ones have passed.

“This has been essential to me as they understand what I am going through and because of their wonderful care I was able to remain his wife to the end and not solely his carer.

“All of this service and care is free, but they rely on donations to continue this care.”

Iain leaves behind two daughters, Natasha, 25, and Anastasia, 23. He and Kerry have two sons, Thomas, four, and Harvey, five-and-a-half-months.

Times in the half marathon varied greatly with Alex Smith finishing in one hour and 33 minutes and the last person crossing the line in just less than four hours.

Kerry said: “I was thinking about Iain while I took part. I hurt my knee and had to walk about 11 miles but the fact we were doing it for Iain gave me more of a reason to finish.”

Railston’s managing director, Andy Fox, who was one of the runners, said: “This is a great start to Railston’s fundraising for the Prospect Hospice.

“There are events planned throughout 2013 and we hope to make a significant contribution at the end of the year in memory of our friend and colleague, Iain.”

Sheryl Crouch, Prospect Hospice’s head of fundraising, said: “We are very grateful to the team from Railston for raising so much money for us in Iain’s memory.

“We greatly appreciate the lengths they have gone to in preparing for and participating in the Bath Half Marathon, and congratulate them on their achievement.”

To sponsor the team visit www.justgiving.com/Railston-Bath-Half-2013