Lochgelly grandad completes 1000-mile fundraising run to help locals in need at Christmas

Don Campbell (68), initially set out to raise £1000 after his wife Margaret, who delivers parcels and meals for the foodbank in the town, told him about the hardships some families will face during the festive period.

Beginning his challenge at the start of the year, the fitter, sprint coach, and Highland Games handicapper, has smashed his target by raising generating £5000.

Don, a veteran of Highland Games up and down the country since he was 15-years-old, wanted to do something positive for people in Lochgelly and Cardenden.

He said: “I can’t thank the people who have donated enough - they have really done done me well.

"The money will be split between foodbanks, churches, Salvation Army, and other charities in the two towns to buy presents and food for families and old folk.

“The thought of these people struggling really was the driving force that kept me going through all of those horrible nights I was out running.”

Born and bred in Lochgelly, Don said that the even though he’s lived there his whole life, it’s easy to not notice social issues around you.

"After my wife Margaret started volunteering at the foodbank I started to hone in to all of the problems people face in the area,” he said.

"The thought that my running could get a kid or an old biddy a present on Christmas Day has made it all worthwhile.

"The response from locals has been brilliant - I’m chuffed to bits with the amount I’ve raised.”

Don, who completed his 250th four mile circuit last Sunday, said that running is a way of life for him, even though his challenge pushed him to the limit.

"Fifty years ago the four mile circuit I’ve been running would have just been a warm-up, but now that I’m at the end of it my legs are screaming – paracetamol and Voltarol are definitely my amigos!

"I was a sprinter when I was younger – I’d run forever if you let me,”

Thank you for reading this article on our free-to-read website. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

Please consider purchasing a subscription to our print newspaper to help fund our trusted, fact-checked journalism.