A WEST LINTON man suffering from a brain tumour has reached the end of his year-long running challenge.

Donald Innes, 53, who is undergoing treatment to tackle the tumour, set himself the challenge of completing 52 10k runs in a year for The Brain Tumour Charity in 2016.

Now, as the end is in sight, Donald is once again drumming up support from locals and keen runners to join him to either walk, jog or run 2k, 5k or 10k for the Step A Head 2 event on Sunday, June 11 at 11am at Lower Green in West Linton.

Of his £10,000 fundraising target, over £7,900 has been collected so far via an online Just Giving page.

A delighted Donald told the Peeblesshire News: “I can’t believe that I’ve nearly reached my goal of 52x10k runs in a calendar year.

“At the start of this challenge, I thought it would be relatively easy and straightforward as I have done a lot of running in the past, but of course I forgot to take into account the effects of my radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

“I hope to get as many locals as possible to join me in June for the Step A Head 2 event, which will round off a busy year of fundraising for The Brain Tumour Charity.

“My thanks go to everyone who has donated and for their continued support, including local businesses who have all helped in one way or another. 

“I’d also like to thank the Peeblesshire News for publicising my fundraising efforts.”

For all those who take part, a celebration BBQ will be held from 12.30pm onwards to mark Donald’s year-long achievement.

Hazel Kinghorn, who organised the Step A Head event told us: “We hope that all those who can take part in the walk, jog or run can celebrate Donald’s fantastic achievement of 52 lots of 10k runs and join us for a BBQ.

"We will provide the BBQs, salads, rolls, napkins, plates, cutlery, sauces – just bring your burgers, sausages, etc, and refreshments.”

Those wishing to take part can email stepahead@kinghorn.plus.com for an application form.

To donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Donald-Innes1.