Million steps walk in memory of well-known Kirkcaldy man who died aged 34

Leyton Fowle is half way to hitting his target of a million steps to raise the cash in honour of his friend, Michael Watson, affectionately known as Mikie, who sadly passed away aged 34.

Mikie, a night porter at the town’s Gym 64, was well known in the Lang Toun and much-loved by all who knew him.

Leyton, a parking attendant, said: “Mikie sadly passed away unexpectedly four weeks ago, I’ve known him for around 16 years – we were great pals.

"I was planning on doing the million steps challenge anyway so I decided to try and raise some money for a memorial bench and plaque for Mikie’s family as a place for them and his friends to spend some time to reflect and remember him.

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"Mikie was well known in Kirkcaldy and knew thousands of people who all loved him dearly.

"We’re part of a really tight-knit group of friends and have been trying to support one another as best we can, but it has been difficult with social-distancing and lockdown restrictions.”

Leyton add that one million steps equates to around 500 miles and that it has been challenging at some points.

"I never realised that the challenge would be this hard,” he added. “I’m healthy, but I wouldn’t go so far to say I’m fit – during the challenge I’ve racked up quite a few injuries.

"I’ve had shin splints and a lot of blisters, I find that plenty of Epsom salt baths help a lot with the pains.

"My target was to raise £1000, but I have gone over that and I’m now trying to raise as much as I can, with anything left over from the bench and plaque to go to Mikie’s family to put towards his funeral costs to make things a little bit easier for them.

"Mikie was much-loved and his passing has come as a shock to everyone who knew him, when we are all able to meet up again we are going to have a massive party in his memory.”

If you would like to donate to Leyton’s fundraiser, please visit: Million Steps for Mikie

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