Key Points
- Fiona Gallie, 35, a Linlithgow Athletics Club (LAC) member and environmental consultant, has secured a place in the 2026 London Marathon.
- She is running for Marie Curie in memory of her late mother, Ann Gallie, a former staff nurse at Meadowbank Health Centre in Polmont who passed away on 12 February 2023, aged 66.
- Ann was diagnosed with bowel cancer in February 2020; an operation in April 2020 and further treatment initially gave hope, but a 2021 routine scan revealed spread to her lungs and brain.
- Marie Curie nurses provided end-of-life care at home, allowing Ann to pass comfortably with family by her side.
- Fiona discussed marathon ambitions with LAC members in May last year; they encouraged her to apply immediately for Marie Curie’s charity places after the general ballot closed.
- She applied that night, securing one of 1,300 spots out of over 10,000 applicants; Marie Curie called in August, noting Ann’s story resonated.
- Fiona’s furthest prior run was 10k; training setbacks included a stress fracture requiring 10 weeks off.
- Her father, Angus Gallie, 70, an experienced LAC member who ran the London Marathon in 1989, helped restart training from Couch to 5k in October.
- Current regimen: five weeks into an 18-week plan with three weekly sessions, building Sunday long runs to 18.6 miles, plus stamina work.
- Family support at the marathon: father Angus, sister Karen (38, LAC jog leader), and aunt Evelyn Bain (three-time London Marathon finisher).
- Fundraising: £1,726 raised so far towards £2,500 target for Marie Curie.
- Event: Charity movie night at Hippodrome in Bo’ness on Monday, 23 February at 6.30pm, screening Chicago – Ann’s favourite, linked to her Strictly fandom and tap dancing.
- Fiona’s motivation: Honour mum’s caring legacy as a district nurse, repay Marie Curie, cope with grief via fitness; not focused on time, but completion and funds.
- Ann described as a “ray of light,” sharp-witted, fun-loving, humorous even in illness.
Inverted Pyramid Structure
Polmont (Cardiff Daily) January 30, 2026 – Fiona Gallie, a 35-year-old member of Linlithgow Athletics Club, has secured a coveted spot in this year’s London Marathon, pledging to run for Marie Curie in tribute to her late mother, Ann Gallie, a cherished staff nurse at Polmont’s Meadowbank Health Centre.
The emotional journey began last May when Fiona chatted with fellow LAC members about her marathon dreams, initially eyeing 2027. As reported in the Falkirk Herald, she recounted: “I told them I’d love to do a marathon one day, maybe in 2027 – but they said why don’t you just do it?” Spotting Marie Curie’s open charity places online after the 2026 ballot closed, she applied impulsively that night. “I knew if I didn’t apply there and then, I’d overthink it so I applied that night. It felt like fate as Marie Curie had been such a huge support, caring for mum at home in her final days,” Fiona stated.
Who is Fiona Gallie and What Inspired Her Marathon Challenge?
Fiona, an environmental consultant from the Linlithgow area, joined LAC soon after her mother’s passing as a way to channel grief into fitness. “When I first applied for the marathon, I had been struggling,” she shared, crediting club mates for the push. In August, Marie Curie rang to confirm her place among 1,300 selected from over 10,000 applicants. “I couldn’t believe it; I broke down on the phone because they said mum’s story had resonated with them,” she told the Falkirk Herald.
Her motivation runs deep: “I wanted to do something to keep mum’s memory alive and to give back to such an amazing charity to help other families during difficult times.” Ann, who took early retirement from nursing, embodied care – first for patients as a district nurse, then receiving it from Marie Curie in her final days. “The Marie Curie nurses were then able to do the same for her during her final days. They helped her and my family immensely meaning that mum was made comfortable at home and we could be by her side when she passed away,” Fiona explained.
What Was Ann Gallie’s Career and Health Battle?
Ann Gallie served many years as a staff nurse at Meadowbank Health Centre in Polmont before early retirement. Diagnosed with bowel cancer in February 2020, she underwent surgery in April that year, followed by treatment that sparked family hope. Tragedy struck with a 2021 routine scan showing spread to her lungs and brain. She passed away on 12 February 2023, aged 66.
Fiona paints a vivid portrait: “I miss her dearly every single day. She was a ray of light. Sharp witted and always full of fun – even during her illness she still managed to keep her sense of humour. She was a district nurse and I know how much she cared for her patients over the years.” This legacy fuels Fiona’s run, mirroring Ann’s compassion.
How Did Fiona Overcome Training Setbacks?
With her longest pre-marathon run at 10k, Fiona faced hurdles. “The furthest I’d run at that point, though, was 10k so I had my work cut out!” Around securing her spot, a stress fracture sidelined her for 10 weeks. Father Angus Gallie, 70, a 1989 London Marathon veteran and LAC stalwart, stepped in: “Dad helped and got me back up and running, literally.”
Resuming in October via Couch to 5k, she launched an 18-week plan on 22 December. Now five weeks in, her routine features three sessions weekly: short runs midweek, Sundays building to 18.6 miles pre-event. “I’ll just have to find the strength for the remaining eight miles but I’m doing stamina and endurance training too so I’m hoping that helps,” she said. “My fellow LAC members have been a great support, as has dad. I’m just focused now on getting to the start line with no injuries.”
Who Will Support Fiona at the London Marathon?
Cheers await from family: dad Angus, sister Karen, 38, an LAC jog leader, and mum’s sister Evelyn Bain, a three-time London Marathon completer. “I know mum will be by my side, cheering me on, even if she thinks I’m bonkers for doing a marathon!” Fiona quipped, echoing Ann’s wit.
Club mate Bryan Allam advised on fundraising extras. Fiona prioritises effort over pace: “I know other running club members will be doing it for good times. I’m not caring about the time – I’m just trying to do the best I can and to raise as much as I can for Marie Curie, in mum’s memory.”
What Fundraising Efforts Are Underway?
Fiona has amassed £1,726 towards her £2,500 Marie Curie target. A highlight: a charity movie night at Bo’ness Hippodrome on 23 February at 6.30pm. Screening Chicago, it nods to Ann’s loves – Strictly Come Dancing fandom and Linlithgow tap dancing classes. “One time we managed to coax her to be in the group’s show and she danced to All That Jazz and Razzle Dazzle from Chicago. It was one of her favourites and I can still hear her singing the songs so we felt it was the perfect film to choose,” Fiona recalled.
This event, per Falkirk Herald coverage, blends tribute and community support, amplifying Ann’s vibrant spirit.
Why Choose Marie Curie and What’s Next?
Marie Curie’s role was pivotal: home care ensured Ann’s comfort. Fiona’s bid repays that, aiding others. As she trains amid Scotland’s winter, injury-free arrival is paramount. “I’m looking forward to it, even if my legs are destroyed by the end,” she admitted with humour.
Linlithgow Athletics Club’s camaraderie underscores local running’s power in grief and giving. Fiona’s story spotlights charity’s impact, nursing legacies, and personal triumphs – a beacon for Polmont and beyond.
