Groups get boost
Marathon man raises £3.3k
Children’s groups and organisations in Blairgowrie and Rattray received a huge boost last week thanks to the generosity of one of the town’s most recognisable longdistance runners.
Marathon man Peter Ritchie (60), from Rattray, raised an incredible £3300, which he has donated to 10 clubs, by running 56 miles in one day earlier this summer. Each club received £330. He took on the challenge when the popular Rattray-Blairgowrie half-marathon - which was due to take place on the first Sunday in June - was cancelled for the second year running due to the global coronavirus pandemic.
The event, which would have been the fourth since Peter brought the halfmarathon back to the area after an absence of more than 20 years, has raised thousands of pounds for various local and national charities over the years.
But, despite the disappointment of having to cancel once again, Peter decided to tackle a 56-mile charity run to raise muchneeded funds for local groups and charities.
He completed the challenge in 11 hours 53 minutes and 20 seconds on Sunday, June 13, as part of the 2021 virtual Comrades Marathon.
The event usually takes place between Durban and Pietermaritzbury in South Africa but Peter completed the miles running in east Perthshire.
He was supported by family and friends from Blairgowrie Runners, who took it in turns to run with him.
Peter said: “I could not have raised this amount of money without the support of many local businesses, friends, family, neighbours and work colleagues, which I am very grateful for.
“I would also like to thank Springfield Homes, sponsors of the annual RattrayBlairgowrie half marathon, for their continued support.
“A massive thank you as well to all my back up support on the day - there’s too many names to mention everyone individually but it is very much appreciated.
“I really hope that these donations will make a difference to these local clubs and organisations which do so much for our young people.”
Blairgowrie Tennis Club was one of the groups to receive a donation.
On behalf of the tennis club, Susan Whiteford said: “We are very grateful to Peter for this generous donation.
“We’re currently raising funds for a new clubhouse at the courts, which will benefit all our members, including the youngsters, and this donation will go towards that.”
Peter Hamilton is a scout leader with 57th Perthshire Cubs and Scouts.
Thanking Peter, he said: “This donation really means a lot to us.
“As a volunteer organisation we rely on donations to fund equipment and subsidise activities and trips so that they are as inclusive as possible and this money will help all the kids in our troop.
“It’s an outstanding amount for us to receive and is very much appreciated.
“And the way the money has been raised is quite inspirational as well.
“We are always encouraging the children to emulate local inspirational figures and Pete is a fantastic role model for them to look up to.”
The other groups to receive donations were the boxing club, the Blairgowrie Dolphins, the Air Cadets and the Army Cadets, the Rainbows, Brownies and Guides and the Boys’ Brigade.
Peter said that the 2022 Rattray-Blairgowrie half marathon is currently scheduled to take place on Sunday, June 5, and all proceeds raised will be split between two local causes.
Anyone who would like to put forward a worthy cause can contact Peter on 01250 873923.