A DISABLED man’s dream to raise money for a charity close to his heart by taking part in the Edinburgh 10K has come true – thanks to the generosity of the Peebles community.

For most people, signing up for such an event is simple. But for Mark Bisset, who lost his leg as a teenager, the challenge began way before he could approach the starting line.

Inspired by his determination, Tesco manager Sean McCarter made employee Mark a promise, to help him raise £3,000 to buy the custom-built wheelchair racer he needed.

And, although Mark was doubtful of reaching the massive amount in just three months, together with his boss and colleagues they have smashed the target and raised almost £3,500.

As previously reported in the Peeblesshire News, a freak accident when he slipped on a wet floor meant Mark had to endure numerous operations and excruciating pain, which led to him falling into depression.

But he fought his way back and in May he and Sean will take part in the 10k event at the Edinburgh Marathon Festival to raise money for the Scottish Association for Mental Health.

Mark told us: “I am humbled by the support from Sean, my colleagues and everyone in the community. I can’t thank them enough.

“I never thought we’d be able to raise this amount in such a short space of time.”

One man who was never in doubt was Peebles store manager Sean, who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to help realise Mark’s dream of getting the racing chair so he can compete in events throughout the UK.

He said: “The engagement through the whole team has been incredible.

“Mark is an inspiration to us all and the community have really got behind us in our efforts to raise this huge sum of money.”

Various events were held in store, including colleague raffles to win holidays, dress down days, bag packing, and a raffle to win signed footballs by Scottish Premier League teams. And staff were only too happy to pay for the chance to dunk their manager in a tub of freezing water during a fundraising day. Having smashed the target for the racer, the wheels are in motion to raise even more for the charity, with the left-over money being added to the fundraising pot.

Mark will now travel to England to be fitted for the racer chair which will take up to ten weeks before it is delivered. It will be proudly displayed in store before Mark takes to the various tracks and pavements in Peeblesshire in preparation for the event.