KINGLASSIE MSP Jenny Gilruth is running the Stornoway Half Marathon on Saturday in aid of the children’s cancer charity LoveOliver.

The local politician is aiming to raise £1,000 to support the work of LoveOliver, which was established in 2011.

Oliver Gill was born in July 2010 with a very rare and aggressive form of cancer - A Malignant Rhabdoid Tumour. Despite continuing to thrive and smile his way through intensive chemotherapy, he passed away peacefully at home on Christmas Day 2010, aged just 24 weeks old.

His parents, Andy and Jennifer Gill, started Love Oliver in his memory. The charity helps to fund research into childhood cancer and to provide practical support to families in Scotland affected by it.

Commenting ahead of the race Jenny Gilruth MSP said: "LoveOliver is a fantastic local charity and I’m proud to be running the half marathon for such a worthy cause.

"I was privileged to meet with Jennifer Gill and Oliver’s grandparents recently.

"It’s clear how much his life lives on in all the work the charity does - from funding childhood research at Newcastle University to organising toy sales - to the annual cycle day in August.

"I’m extremely proud to have LoveOliver in my Mid Fife and Glenrothes constituency and I hope my fundraising efforts will help to support the charity’s invaluable work in the future".

Oliver’s Mum, Jennifer Gill, commented: “We were absolutely delighted when Jenny Gilruth MSP got in touch to say she would like to run for LoveOliver.

"We feel very privileged that she is raising awareness and funds for our wee charity, and really appreciate her ongoing support and encouragement for the work we do. We wish her a very successful run in beautiful Stornoway!”