When Orla Morrow lines up at the start of the Edinburgh Half Marathon on Sunday 24th May, it will mark far more than her first official race. Running alongside her older sister Katie, the challenge represents resilience and a powerful commitment to supporting survivors through fundraising for Scottish Women’s Aid as well as completing 13.1 miles.
Her motivation for running is deeply personal.
In October 2021, just one month after starting university in Edinburgh, Orla was sexually assaulted after a night out. She woke the next morning injured, disoriented and without memory of what had happened. In the weeks that followed, she lived with visible bruising and invisible trauma, struggling to piece together the events of that night while facing disbelief and humiliation. For years, she carried the weight of self-blame and dissociation, watching her studies suffer and her confidence disappear.
Eventually, with the support of family and friends, she reported the assault. What followed was a long and difficult legal process that culminated in a 2025 trial. Despite extensive medical evidence, witness testimony and supporting documentation, the jury returned a verdict of “Not Proven” which is a controversial third verdict in Scottish law that has since been abolished. The experience exposed the emotional toll survivors can face navigating the justice system and reinforced how essential strong support networks are.
For Orla, that support saved her life. Now, she hopes to help ensure other women can access the same lifeline.
Scottish Women’s Aid provides refuge services, advocacy and a national helpline for women and children affected by abuse across Scotland. By fundraising through the half marathon, Orla and Katie aim to contribute directly to services that help survivors rebuild safety, stability and confidence. Every step they take is a step toward expanding that support for others who may otherwise face their experiences alone.
Having never considered herself a runner before, Orla said her training has been both physically demanding and emotionally empowering. She has focused on building stamina through longer distances while incorporating interval sprints to improve speed and endurance. Just as importantly, the process has taught her to balance determination with kindness toward herself. Rather than chasing perfection, her goal has been simple but meaningful - to prove she can do something she once thought impossible.
Running the race together carries special meaning for the sisters. Katie has stood beside Orla throughout her recovery and the court process, offering strength during its most difficult moments. Crossing the finish line side by side will be a powerful symbol of that shared journey.
Beyond the personal significance, Orla is also looking forward to the sense of community that comes with race day itself. Surrounded by thousands of runners supporting causes close to their hearts, she hopes the experience will be both motivating and uplifting.
Ultimately, this race is about more than distance. It is about reclaiming power, raising awareness, and transforming personal hardship into positive change. By sharing her story and running for Scottish Women’s Aid, Orla is helping ensure that other survivors know they are not alone and that support can truly save lives.
If you’d like to donate to Orla’s fundraising efforts you can do so here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/orla-and-katie-morrow-1