He’s the ultra marathon man
Michael raises £1,000 in 36-mile challenge
A kind- hearted runner is celebrating after completing the challenge of his life for a good cause.
Michael Blair, from Elderslie, has just taken on the Kintyre Way Ultra.
Covering 36.5 miles from Tayinloan to Campbelltown, the 30 year-old scientist crossed the finish line in just under seven hours at the weekend.
The good deed was all in aid of MND Scotland, a charity close to Michael’s heart.
“My girlfriend’s father, Andrew, who’s in his late 50s, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2014,” Michael said.
“I didn’t know much about the condition before then and I see how it really affects those suffering from it and their families.
“That’s when I started thinking of how I could raise money.”
Formerly a self- confessed couch potato, Michael didn’t take up running until after leaving university.
From there he caught the running bug and hasn’t stopped since.
“I’m in a running club, have taken part in a number of races and enjoy hill walking so this seemed like the perfect challenge for me,” he added.
“Although I must admit the ultra was really intense.
“Before then, the furthest I had run was a marathon in 2014.
“The last five miles were an absolute killer. I was hobbling my way to the end.
“We were running across beaches, up steep hills, through forests and along country paths so the scenery was beautiful which eased the pain.”
Waiting at the finish line were colleagues from SSE who also took part in the race, with some choosing to cycle or run shorter routes.
“From the moment I finished, I spent the afternoon drinking pints in Campbelltown and was in bed for 9pm,” Michael added. “It really took it out of me.” Raising almost £ 1,000 on an online Just Giving page has left the young runner overwhelmed.
“There are people who I don’t know too well who have donated amounts like £50 to MND Scotland through my page,” Michael said.
“It just goes to show how kind people are.
“Not only that, but it means that MND is something that really does touch so many of us in different ways.
“The NHS does an amazing job providing medical support for MND patients and the council put appropriate funding in place for care.
“But there’s a real gap for support in between those two bodies.
“That’s where MND come in and they do amazing work. “It’s vital that we support them. “I’m so grateful to everyone who has donated.”
If you would like to donate to Michael’s just giving page visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ michael-blair-87.
To find out more about MND Scotland and the work it does, visit www.mndscotland.org.uk/ or call 0141 332 3903.