Children in Scotland CEO’s marathon to raise funds for children’s participation
Children in Scotland CEO, Dr Judith Turbyne, is getting set to run the Porto Marathon on 8 November, to raise vital funds the charity’s participation work. She will be running the 42km race in Portugal as part of her 60th birthday celebrations and to support Children in Scotland’s children and young people’s advisory group, Changing our World.
Changing our World has members aged between 8 and 25, who come from a variety of backgrounds. They support a wide range of activities at the organisation, from conference planning and strategy to policy and influencing. Their voices, views and experiences are integral to evidencing the need for change for children across Scotland. Funds raised through Judith’s marathon challenge will support the delivery of participation sessions, which take place several times each year, both online and in person.
The 2026 Porto Marathon will be Judith’s first marathon. The 42km (26.2 mile) race will take her, alongside around 15,000 other runners, through the historic town and along the banks of the Douro River. Judith aims to raise £100 per mile, bringing her target to £2,620.
Judith said:
I cannot believe that I am sixty. How on earth did that happen?
“One of my favourite poems about ageing (and love) is John Anderson, My Jo by Robert Burns. It is written from the point of view of a woman, looking back on having met her partner, to reflections on the now, thinking about moving together through the latter stages of their lives.
“Now, I love the poem and the music that goes with it. But what I don’t want to do is live by its famous phrase ‘Now we maun totter down, John’. It is the tottering I don’t want. I want to run, dance and cavort my way through my sixties.
“I will be trying to raise money for Children in Scotland. It is a great organisation (of course I would say that, because I work there … but it’s actually true). I am specifically looking to raise funds to support the work of our children and young people’s advisory group, Changing our World. They are a brilliant bunch, and their views are at the heart of all the work we do.
“If you can spare a couple of pounds that would be amazing. I know it is a tricky time, so if you can’t do that, please just send me and Jen happy thoughts, particularly on the 8 November.
To find out more and support Jude’s marathon effort, visit her Just Giving page
