A PEEBLES mum who lost two stone and found a new love of the outdoors will trek from Glasgow to Edinburgh for charity.

Marianne Currie, 34, who works at a Peebles pharmacy, was inspired to raise money for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) after several of her friends were affected by heart attacks.

After losing weight with her husband John by hill walking and cycling every day, Marianne wanted to give herself a challenge, and her new love of the outdoors provided the answer.

Marianne, who lives in Drumelzier, will take part in the 30-hour 100km charity challenge by herself across two days on July 22 and 23.

She told us: “I came across the trek while online one day and decided I wanted to give myself a real challenge and give something back. 

“As my friends had been affected by heart attacks, I thought it was the perfect challenge to do as I could raise money for the BHF.

“My husband and 12-year-old son are a great support and have helped me massively with my training. 

“My son, who goes to the local high school is always happy to try any new activity with me, whether it is jogging, yoga or boxing. We don’t go to any classes, I just try these things at home.

“My parents are very proud of me as I’ve never done anything like this before.”

She added: “There was the option to do the full 100km or one half of it, either 53km from Glasgow to Livingston, or 43km from Livingston to Edinburgh, which may have been more sensible for my first time, but I thought why not just go for it. In for a penny, in for a pound!

“I have a target of £500, and since launching my fundraising campaign online a few weeks ago, I’ve collected £30 so far. I hope to collect as much money as I possibly can for this amazing charity.”

“The British Heart Foundation on Peebles High Street have a sponsor form that people can use if they wish to donate, plus the nearby Crown Hotel will have a collection box soon. Or you can also donate online with my Just Giving page.”

Visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Marianne-Currie1.