Edinburgh,15/04/2025 – Just weeks before her 70th birthday, Mary Jewison is lacing up her running shoes and taking on the Edinburgh Half Marathon to raise funds for Firefly International, a charity close to her heart that supports young people affected by conflict through education and arts programmes.

Mary has been training hard for the 13.1-mile challenge, which she will complete on Sunday, May 26th, as part of a personal mission to give back and raise awareness for Firefly’s vital work as well as mark her milestone birthday.

“In June 2025 I will turn 70 and I have decided to run this half marathon. I have chosen to raise money for Firefly because watching the effect of war on children in Gaza and imagining my own grandsons being in a situation like that really brought home to me the horror for families living there. It will be a big challenge but I feel the cause deserves it!”

Mary

Firefly International is a Scottish Charity which works with grassroots partners in areas affected by war and displacement, including Syria, Bosnia and Gaza, helping children and young people access education, develop resilience, and find hope through creativity.

Mary’s fundraising page is already attracting support from family, friends, and the wider community. All donations go directly to Firefly International’s programmes and can be made through her JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/mary-jewison-2

The Edinburgh Half Marathon, known for its scenic route and electric atmosphere, will be a fitting stage for Mary’s inspiring effort.