Ayrshire woman Ainsley Sweeney is preparing to fulfil a lifelong ambition by running the 2027 London Marathon in memory of her much-loved mum
With the support of local couple Andy and CaroleAnne Dodds from Andrew Dodds Autocare.
Ainsley was selected from more than 2,000 applicants to represent Parkinson’s UK at the world-famous event and has committed to raising at least £2,300 for the charity.
Ayrshire Daily News editor Euan Ruddick learned about Ainsley’s fundraising challenge during a visit to Andrew Dodds Autocare to collect his car.
While there, Andy and CaroleAnne were speaking with Ainsley about her marathon plans and the fundraising campaign ahead. Euan remembered Ainsley from years ago when she worked at West of the Moon and soon discovered the deeply personal reason behind her challenge.
Andy and CaroleAnne have made a financial contribution to Ainsley’s campaign, donated several prizes for her charity raffle and are helping to sell tickets to friends and customers.
Their generosity and encouragement left Ainsley overwhelmed.
She said: “I’m totally blown away, not only by the raffle prizes and the donation, but also by your support. I had a wee cry in the car when Pippa and I left.”
The cause is particularly close to Ainsley’s heart after her mum lived with Parkinson’s for many years before sadly passing away in 2020.
Ainsley said: “Parkinson’s UK isn’t just a charity to me, it’s deeply personal. My mum was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and faced every challenge the disease threw at her with remarkable courage, determination and dignity.
“She fought bravely for many years before sadly passing away in 2020. Watching someone you love live with Parkinson’s changes your perspective forever.
“It affects not only the person with the diagnosis but the entire family, leaving a lasting impact that never truly fades.”
The London Marathon will be held on April 24, 2027, which, by a touching coincidence, would have been her mum’s 77th birthday.
Since losing her mum, Ainsley has looked for meaningful ways to honour her memory and support other families affected by Parkinson’s.
In 2025, she raised money for Parkinson’s UK by completing the Moray Coastal Race. Each challenge has provided her with an opportunity to continue her mum’s fight while contributing to the charity’s work.
Ainsley said: “Knowing that the funds raised help support families facing the same challenges we did, while also driving forward groundbreaking research, gives every mile and every fundraising effort real purpose.”
Her latest fundraising campaign has become a family effort, with Ainsley’s 11-year-old daughter Pippa preparing to take part in the Junior Great Scottish Run at the beginning of October 2026.
Pippa will complete the event in memory of her gran and help her mum move closer to the £2,300 fundraising target.
A charity raffle will also be held on September 25, 2026, with Andy and CaroleAnne playing a major role in making it possible.
As well as contributing financially, the Andrew Dodds Autocare couple have provided several raffle prizes and are actively promoting the fundraiser by selling tickets throughout their network of friends and customers.
Ainsley said: “I am incredibly fortunate to have the support of Andy and CaroleAnne Dodds, who have not only donated to my fundraising but have supplied several prizes for my charity raffle.
“Their help and support is and will be invaluable.”
For Ainsley, running the London Marathon has been a lifelong ambition. Completing one of the world’s most iconic races while wearing the Parkinson’s UK vest will make the experience even more significant.
The challenge also comes during her 50th year, giving Ainsley another reason to make the milestone count.
She said: “Reaching this age has made me reflect on the importance of giving back and making a positive difference.
“I can’t think of a more meaningful way to celebrate than by taking on one of the greatest physical challenges for a cause that means so much to me.
“Every step I take will be in memory of my mum and in support of everyone currently living with Parkinson’s.”
Money raised through Ainsley’s marathon campaign will help Parkinson’s UK provide information and support to people living with the condition and their families, while contributing to research into improved treatments and a potential cure.
Ainsley has pledged to give everything she can, not only during the marathon itself but throughout the months of training and fundraising leading up to the event.
She hopes that sharing her family’s story will raise greater awareness of Parkinson’s and encourage others to support those affected by the condition.
Ainsley added: “Crossing the finish line will be an unforgettable personal achievement, but knowing I have done it in my mum’s memory and for everyone affected by Parkinson’s will make it truly priceless.
“It will be an honour and a privilege to wear the Parkinson’s UK vest and represent a charity that has given hope to so many families, including my own.”