Eric Maerindale writes, coming into the home stretch on my first ever 10K. I am normally a sprinter, competing in the Masters Events (that's Veterans in old money) at 400m so this was just a wee bit longer for me.
I'm also a recently retired football referee having refereed for 25 years 12 of those at the top level. I keep myself in shape just in case I have to get off my mark if recognised by some "Old Firm" fan bearing a grudge! I've refereed at all the senior grounds in Scotland and officiated at the Bernabeau Stadium (Real Madrid) on two occasions.
My day job (the one that pays the bills) is as a Biomedical Scientist in the Department of Microbiology, Western Infirmary. One of the tasks we do, and relative to Renal Patients, is examining CAPD fluid for microorganisms and testing them for suitable antibiotics.
Our service is offered 24/7 i.e. we never close and our professional moto is "we're looking at you long after you've gone home".
My Dad, Fred, who is 85 is on haemodialysis, says he suffers from TMB (that's "Too Many Birthdays") he has a great sense of humour in spite of his wee set back, as he calls it. I must thank Douglas Robertson's team at Regular Dialysis, GGH and my Dad's driver, Lyle for their wonderful care.
I also have a work colleague who's wife is in pre-dialysis and have just had a little boy. I'm very grateful for all the care that these precious people get.
Having ran probably thousands of miles over the years I wanted to put my efforts to better use and was pleased to run for Kidney Research UK at this year's Glassgow 10K and raised over £420.
I'm also chuffed to bits to report that at 54, and drug free, I managed a time of 48 minutes although I must admit I was still sore 2 days later!
Kind regards,
Eric
p.s. I crossed the finishing line with Arthur Newman (ex Rangers) but managed to keep my yellow / red cards to myself ... on this occasion!
