“Scotty’s do amazing things for my grandchildren, so this is my way of giving back”
Scotty's grandmother tackles Marathon challenge in honour of fallen son-in-law and the charity that supports her grandchildren
Inspiring grandmother, Carol O’Brien, from Doncaster, has achieved her goal of completing a marathon in a month while raising much needed funds for Scotty’s Little Soldiers - a charity that has provided her young grandchildren with integral support following the death of their dad.
L to R: Sophie, Graci and Joseph
Carol’s grandchildren, Graci (3), Joseph (5) and Sophie (7), have been members of bereaved Armed Forces children and young people’s charity, Scotty’s Little Soldiers, since 2018. They joined the year after their dad, Corporal Craig Beasley, died following a road traffic accident.
Corporal Beasley, who was serving with 3 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps at the time, died on 21st August 2017, leaving behind his wife Stephanie and three children; Joseph, who was one year old at the time, Sophie, who was three years old and Graci, who was born a few months after he died.
Carol (54), who has seen first-hand how her daughter Stephanie and her grandchildren have been impacted by Craig’s death, wanted to do something to raise money to help support other children and young people in the same situation.
Craig, Stephanie, Joseph and Sophie
She took part in the May Marathon, a fundraising challenge organised by Scotty’s Little Soldiers. The aim of the challenge is to complete the marathon distance in any way possible, but it has to be completed within a month.
Carol said:
“Scotty’s do amazing things for my grandchildren, this is my way of giving back. They’ve not only helped my grandchildren but also my daughter so it felt right to do what I could to help. My grandchildren love everything about the charity, particularly the birthday and Christmas presents, and the fantastic respite breaks that mean they can enjoy time away as a family to help build new happy memories.”
Having never taken part in a challenge like this before, Carol decided she wanted to push herself and, with motivation and moral support from her grandchildren, walked a short distance every day in May to reach 26.2 miles. She also raised £260 in the process.
Carol added:
“I really enjoyed the challenge, and I’m proud to have completed it. My grandchildren also walked some of the distance with me which helped keep me going.”
Every penny raised by Carol will be donated to Scotty’s Little Soldiers. The charity, which was set up in 2010 by war widow, Nikki Scott, supports hundreds of children and young people across the country who have experienced the death of a parent while serving in the Armed Forces.
Nikki saw the devastating impact the death of her husband, Corporal Lee Scott, in 2009 had on their two young children and wanted to help others in the same situation.
The charity is currently providing assistance to hundreds of bereaved Forces children and young people around the UK and services offered include guidance to parents and carers, access to professional child bereavement support, personal education and learning assistance (including grants) and fun activities such as holiday respite breaks and group events. These are all designed to remind the children and young people supported by Scotty’s that they are not alone.
Nikki said:
“What an inspiration Carol is for taking on this challenge. I can’t thank her enough for supporting Scotty’s, and for helping raise vital funds. Every penny will go a long way in helping us continue to deliver support to children and young people, like Joseph, Graci and Sophie, when they need it the most. Everyone has really embraced this year’s May Marathon challenge, and it’s always great to see members and families get involved as they know just how much it means.”
