When their grandfather passed away in May 2025, Stephanie Borland and Megan Keown knew they wanted to do something meaningful to honour him. Something that would hurt a little — the way grief does — but that would turn that pain into purpose.

They chose a marathon. Not just any marathon, but the Florence Marathon, 26.2 miles through one of the most beautiful cities in the world. On 30 November 2025, the pair laced up and ran every step in his memory.

Their goal was to raise money for St Margaret of Scotland Hospice in Clydebank — the place that had looked after their grandad in his final days. Between two JustGiving pages, generous donations from friends, family and strangers pushed the total past £5,000.

"To honour his memory, we are raising money for St Margaret of Scotland Hospice in Clydebank, a charity that is close to our hearts," the pair wrote on their fundraising pages. "Their work touches countless lives, and we've seen first hand the difference their kindness makes."

A Clydebank institution

For anyone who has lived in Clydebank, St Margaret of Scotland Hospice needs little introduction. Scotland's oldest and largest hospice, it has been providing specialist palliative and end-of-life care for more than 70 years. With 30 beds and a community care service that touches approximately 1,800 lives every year, it is a cornerstone of the town.

But that care doesn't come cheap. The hospice must raise more than £6 million annually to keep its services running — which is why fundraising efforts like Stephanie and Megan's matter so much.

In a statement on Facebook, the hospice said: "We extend our heartfelt thanks to Stephanie, Megan and all their friends and family who so generously contributed to their fundraising pages. Your support and kindness mean the world to us and will make a profound difference in the lives of those we serve."

The hospice described the duo's efforts as not just a feat of physical endurance but "a touching tribute" to their late family member, calling them "shining examples of compassion, generosity and the power of community."

Every mile for a reason

The funds raised will support the hospice's specialist care and comfort services for families facing their most difficult days. The hospice is currently in the midst of a major building appeal to upgrade its facilities into a state-of-the-art centre for compassionate, dignified end-of-life care.

For Stephanie and Megan, every one of those 26.2 miles through Florence was a step taken for their grandad — and for every family that St Margaret's will care for in the years to come.

Anyone wishing to support the hospice can visit smh.org.uk or donate directly through the hospice's website.