FRIENDS and self-confessed fitness fanatics Michaela Brodie and Carol Devlin found they had more in common than they first thought when they met in the gym.

Their mums had cancer, and both women and their families had benefited from support at Maggie’s.

Michaela, 32, from Parkhead, and Carol, 31, from East Kilbride, have just completed an epic challenge in aid of the charity, which provides emotional, practical and psychological support to people with cancer and their friends and families.

“As it stands, we’ve currently raised £3040 which is amazing, as our initial goal was to hit £1000,” says Carol.

“It’s so nice to see how much love and support everyone has for Maggie’s.”

Glasgow Times: Carol and Michaela have raised more than £3000.Carol and Michaela have raised more than £3000. (Image: Maggie's)

Michaela’s mum, Karen, is currently going through treatment for lymphoma. Carol’s mum Isabel sadly died in 2020. Both Carol and Michaela speak particularly highly of Maggie’s relaxation therapist Grazia Zani, who supported them through some of their most difficult times.

“Maggie’s was such a great support to me after I lost my mum,” says Carol, who now works as a cancer exercise specialist at the Glasgow centre at Gartnavel Hospital in the West End.

Glasgow Times: Carol and Michaela at the start of their epic challenge

“Knowing that we have raised all of this money to support the centre is honestly mindblowing.

“Hopefully it can raise a bit more awareness of the services Maggie’s provides for those who have had a cancer diagnosis, but also their loved ones.”

She grins: “The day itself wasn’t actually as terrible as it may seem. The sunshine definitely helped.”

The duo completed a gruelling duathlon - a half-marathon followed by a 40-mile cycle - between Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Michaela explains: “We wanted to give something back to Maggie’s Glasgow, as all of the services they provide are free, and they support so many people just like us. Doing something difficult for just one day, and the aches and pain afterwards, is nothing in comparison to what people living with cancer go through daily.

“Maggie’s is an amazing charity, which has helped us both, and our family members, during a very challenging period in our lives.”

Glasgow Times: Carol and Michaela, who completed a tough challenge for Maggie'sCarol and Michaela, who completed a tough challenge for Maggie's (Image: Maggie's)

Kerry Craig, centre head at Maggie’s Glasgow said: “Maggie’s relies entirely on voluntary donations from individuals and the local community to enable our professional team to provide specialist cancer support, psychological support and benefits advice for everyone who needs it. 

“We really appreciate the huge challenge which Carol and Michaela took on and the funds they have raised for the centre.”

You can support Michaela and Carol by donating to their JustGiving page.