Marathon man
Ronnie’s set to run for charity who were there when he needed help
A Wee County man who has turned his life around is encouraging others to take on the Stirling Marathon.
Ronnie Temprell is running in aid of the Stirling Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), after they helped him through tough times in his life.
And he has convinced new fiancée Laura McIntee to join him in tackling the inaugural event.
Ronnie, 29, from Tillicoultry, admits he was a troublemaker in his younger days, but added: “Running has saved my life.
“I am a new man now and when I wake up in the morning it is the first thing I want to do.
“CAB helped me with everything, from financial advice to housing. I was in a tough place, but the support I got was always one-to-one.
“They helped me and now I want to help them.”
Entry for individuals to the marathon closed yesterday (Tuesday), However, charity places for runners taking part to raise money for organisations like the CAB are still available.
The event takes place on May 21, and more than 5000 people have signed up so far, with runners starting at Blair Drummond Safari Park before taking in landmarks including Doune Castle and the Wallace Monument before finishing up beneath Stirling Castle.
“Ronnie came to us when he needed help and now he is in a place where he wants to help us,” said the CAB’s Colin Crawford.
“Not everyone realises we are a charity, and we need to raise about £50,000 a year to ensure that our services are free.
“It is impressive seeing Ronnie now and we are looking for lots of runners to join him.”
Ronnie caught the running bug around two years ago, and has taken on two Great Scottish Runs and the Alloa Half Marathon.
He dreams of doing marathons in London and New York, and has attracted more than 500 members to his Ronnie’s Runners group, which encourages others to join him in running challenges and skydives.
He said: “I just love running. When I’m out I just want to keep going.
“I like to listen to motivational speeches, however when I did the Great Scottish Run I didn’t need to.
“The support was amazing and the feeling I got when I crossed the finish line was great.”
Ronnie proposed to Laura (25) last month, and has convinced her to join his marathon challenge.
She explained: “It is something that I started when I was up in Aberdeen.
“When I came here I was going out on the tracks between Alloa and Tillicoultry.
“But Ronnie told me I had to go out more often! The fact that we are training for the marathon together is a real help.”
For more information and to signup to run for the CAB, visit stirlingcab. org.uk/join-our-team-at-scotlandsnewest-marathon or ring Colin Crawford on 07931334828.