Galashiels Academy teacher set to run first marathon after son contracts tinnitus

Ewan and James Cameron-Lyle will take on their marathon challenge at the Haining on Sunday.

James Cameron-Lyle, principal teacher of Health and Wellbeing at Galashiels Academy, is donning his running shoes for his first marathon after his son Ewan, who is 14, sustained a concussion earlier this year, which left him with tinnitus – meaning he hears a constant sharp metallic sound and experiences some hearing loss.

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, this year’s London Marathon, due to be held on Sunday, has been cancelled, but James is joining a small army of runners who have decided to run the 26.2-mile challenge on their own.

And while the iconic cityscape may be out of bounds, James has decided on a rather more picturesque route – by running 25 full laps of the Haining in his home town of Selkirk – for his first ever marathon, raising funds for the British Tinnitus Association.

James, who is 45, told the Southern: “As a family we have been taken aback by just how many people live with the symptoms of tinnitus, and how different it can be for everyone.

“With the help of the BTA’s positivity, commitment and expert knowledge, alongside NHS intervention, Ewan is working hard to get to know these new and disruptive elements in his life.

“As it’s my first marathon, and given my age, I’m going down the slow and steady route ... I’m aiming for a time of around four-and-a-half to five hours.”

While James runs, Ewan has decided to join him by cycling on a stationary bike for as long as it takes for his dad to finish.

Their support team – James’ wife Beth, and sons Gethin, 11, and Finley, 8, and the trustees of the Haining – will be providing drinks, nutrition and encouragement the whole way around.

The pair hope to raise a target of £1,150, but they are already almost there, having raised £1,035 to date online on the Just Giving site.

British Tinnitus Association’s fundraising officer Jess Pollard said: “Experiencing tinnitus at any age can be daunting and overwhelming, but the way that Ewan is adapting to his condition is truly inspirational.

“It’s been a pleasure getting to know the Cameron-Lyle family, and seeing the lengths (literally miles) that they’re willing to go to raise awareness and funds so more people like Ewan know where to find help and advice.”

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