As March approaches, Caroline Edmonds is preparing for a challenge that is far more than running. She will be taking part in the Supernova Kelpies 5K on Saturday 14 March, alongside her father, Steve Inker, and close friend Ashleigh Marlow, in aid of Crossbasket House.
While none of them would describe themselves as experienced runners, their motivation and determination are rooted in gratitude, hope and a desire to give back. Training has begun in earnest despite the fact that Caroline and her dad last ran the Supernova Kelpies almost two years ago and haven’t taken part in an event since. This time feels especially meaningful with Ashleigh joining them on both the 5K and the fundraising journey. Receiving their official running tops from Crossbasket House was an exciting milestone that made the challenge feel real and reinforcing the cause they are proudly representing.
Caroline’s connection to Crossbasket House is deeply personal. In 2021, when her daughter was just nine days old, she became seriously unwell. After attending Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, she was transferred to the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow, where she later required lifesaving open-heart surgery at just three months old. This took place during the height of Covid restrictions and Caroline’s family lived in Crossbasket House for four months while their daughter received treatment.
Crossbasket House provides free accommodation to families with a child in hospital, offering en-suite rooms, direct phone links to hospital wards, laundry facilities, and a large shared kitchen-diner. For families facing long hospital stays far from home, this support is invaluable. Throughout an incredibly difficult time, the staff at Crossbasket House showed unwavering care and compassion. They supported not only Caroline and her child but, also her husband who was juggling visits between two hospitals each day after Caroline herself became ill as well.
Despite the challenges, Crossbasket House also provided something equally important: connection. Being surrounded by other families going through similar experiences helped combat the loneliness that can come with having a seriously ill child. Many of those relationships remain strong to this day.
Now, Caroline is looking forward to the uplifting atmosphere of the Supernova Kelpies - running through the night around the iconic, illuminated sculptures alongside hundreds of others. She hopes it will be the first of many future runs, but most importantly, an opportunity to give back to a charity that once gave her family a home when they needed it most. As part of their fundraising efforts, the team will also be hosting a bingo night and raffle, and they would be incredibly grateful for any donations of prizes to support this event. Every contribution, big or small, helps ensure that Crossbasket House can continue to support families when they need it most.
If you’d like to support Caroline’s fundraising efforts you can donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/caroline-steve-ashleigh1