Anthony will take on the fab four to raise vital cash

Paisley man signs up for road races in aid of charity

A Paisley runner will put his best foot forward as he takes on a series of gruelling road races in aid of Oxfam.

Dedicated Anthony Walsh, 44, is signed up to run the London and Edinburgh marathons this spring and also plans to tackle the Glasgow Half Marathon and Paisley’s 10k.

The Hunterhill care worker says he only took up jogging in three years ago but has well and truly caught the bug.

He told the Paisley Daily Express: “I started running a couple of times a week to keep fit.

“At my age, you can’t just eat junk food and not exercise. So I’ve been running regularly the last few years.

“The fundraising part happened almost by accident.

“I was running more and more and I just decided why not do it for charity.”

He is looking forward to tackling the London race on April 28 followed by the Edinburgh 26-miler on May 26. But it’s the Paisley 10k which he says is the most challenging.

He explained: “Although the Paisley race is much shorter it is the most awkward in a way because it’s much tighter, there is not much room on the course,” he explained.

“I think I’m a bit mad taking on the London and Edinburgh races so close together but when I realised I could get a place running for Oxfam I thought I had to do it.”

Anthony was all set to dash through London in last year’s race but had to pull out at short notice after being diagnosed with a bowel disease.

“I was running for Women’s Aid last year but had to pull out, which was a really big disappointment.

“This time I’m running for Oxfam, a charity which does amazing work throughout the world to reduce poverty.

“I hope people support me because it is a really good cause. I will be training hard over the next few months and hope to raise as much money as possible from these races.

“It would be good if I could inspire other people to take part in a fundraising race.

“If I can do it anyone can.” If you wish to donate to Anthony’s fundraising effort visit: https://bit.ly/2URQEaD