Scotty Grandmother Runs 10k for the Charity That Supports Her Grandchildren
“I want to raise awareness of the fabulous work that Scotty’s do and make sure my son isn’t forgotten.”
LCpl Callum Smith was born on Christmas Eve in 1995 and grew up to serve in the Household Cavalry and Royal Army Veterinary Corps. On the 11th of September 2020, Callum died aged 24.
Callum had two young children, Theo and Miley, who were just five and three when he died. After their dad's death they joined Scotty's Little Soldiers, the charity for bereaved military children.
On Sunday the 20th November, Callum’s mum, Lisa Smith, is undertaking the Hampton Court Palace 10k run in honour of her son and to raise vital funds for the charity that supports her grandchildren.
Lisa and her son, LCpl Callum Smith
The Hampton Court Palace 10k
“For me, running the Hampton Court Palace 10k is a way of giving something back to Scotty’s for the support they’ve given my grandchildren, as well as a way to honour my wonderful son. Running gives me a focus and gets me out of bed everyday."
For 14-months, Lisa was unable to run due to an injury, however she’s now back on her feet and enjoys running on a regular basis.
“I’ve run on-and-off for 30 years and I generally run three times a week. It’s therapeutic for me. Some days I set myself a time limit and some days I just like to see how far my feet can take me. I run for fun and to clear my mind. Once I had recovered from my injury, I started the Couch to 5k programme and built up from there.”
Theo and Miley relaxing on a Scotty Break
Scotty’s support
“Scotty’s have been brilliant for my grandchildren and I think they need to be shouted about. This is my way of giving back for all the support they’ve provided and making sure Callum is remembered. I actually did a fundraiser for Scotty’s a year or two before my he died. I never thought my family would one day be supported by them.”
Theo and Miley posing for a photo
Growing up in the military
The military has always had a strong presence in Lisa’s life. A bereaved military child herself, Lisa’s father was part of the RAF and later died in service. Her husband was also a soldier in the Army – footsteps her son, Callum, would go on to follow.
“The military has been a constant in my life. I absolutely loved it. The opportunity to live in different countries and experience so many different things was something I’ll never forget, and the chance to give those experiences to my own children was amazing.”
Callum Smith
Fundraising for Scotty’s
Despite being a keen runner, this will be the first time Lisa has run a 10k for charity. She received £100 in donations within the first hour of her fundraiser going live.
“I’d love to hit the £500 mark. I didn’t even think I would hit the £100 that you need to enter the race in the first place, but somehow I hit in that in under an hour!”
Lisa in her running gear
Scotty's founder, Nikki:
"Lisa has gone through something no parent or grandparent should ever have to experience. I’m glad Scotty’s can be there to offer Miley and Theo support and remind them they aren't alone and that Callum will never be forgotten."
Supporting bereaved military children
Scotty’s Little Soldiers is a charity dedicated to supporting children and young people (0 to 25 years) who have experienced the death of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces.
Inspired by the experience of Army widow Nikki Scott, following the death of her husband Corporal Lee Scott in Afghanistan in 2009, the charity, which was set up in 2010, provides support and guidance to hundreds of bereaved military children and young people throughout their childhood.
Services offered to Scotty’s members include access to child bereavement support, guidance to parents and carers, personal education and learning assistance (including grants), and fun activities such as holiday respite breaks and group events. These are all designed to remind the children and young people supported by Scotty’s that they are not alone.
If you know a child or young person who has experienced the death of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces, they could be eligible for specialist bereavement support from Scotty's Little Soldiers. Hundreds of bereaved military children aren’t getting the support they need but we are here to help.
Theo and Miley at the beach
If you are the parent or carer of a bereaved military child or young person, click here.
If you work with bereaved children & young people, click here.
If you are a bereaved young person seeking support, click here.
Support Scotty's Little Soldiers' Family Programmes with a regular monthly donation
