Kirkcaldy Paralympian Derek Rae gets boost from local sponsor

The Fife AC and Disability Sport Fife runner has had his existing deal with K Wallace Joinery, owned by local businessman Kevin Wallace, taken up once again and he says he is grateful that a local athlete has been given support from a local business.

“They’ve been sponsoring me for a couple of years now and they’ve renewed this year’s deal,” he said.

“I’ve known Kev for a long time. We played football together at Dundonald Bluebell and were at college together too.

“Kev’s a decent runner too so that’s brought us back together again.”

As he continues his training through lockdown, the 34-year-old says that any financial help he receives is a huge help towards his regime.

“I think it’s great that a local business such as his is happy to sponsor a local athlete.

“My wife is very supportive of me but sponsorships such as this helps relieve the financial burden.

“It helps me to put the money I receive into warm weather training. I’m lucky in that I get funding from UK Athletics as well.

“I’m really grateful for anything that I do get.”

Kevin Williamson says he is hugely impressed with the work Derek does away from the track as well as on it.

“He does so much for the community,” he said.

“He’s there to help with the parkrun at Beveridge Park on a Saturday. He stops and chats to anybody, he’s got time for just about anyone.

“He also gives up his time for Disability Sport Fife. He is such a motivational type of guy and he inspires everybody, from novice to elite runners.

“I go for training runs with him - through obviously he’s a lot better than me - and it’s great to see him doing so well.

“I’m happy to support him in any way I can.”

With the ultimate goal of running at the Paralympic games in Tokyo next year, Derek says he has been trying his best to keep up his training schedule during lockdown.

“With everything being cancelled I’m not back yet at my training venues, so I’m just trying to get as close to normal as I can.

“I’m doing strength and conditioning in my garage, making the most of the track at Balwearie and the Promenade, my sessions get done there.

“If there’s a will there’s a way so it doesn’t stop.

“I think we’ll have a clearer idea in April or May as to what is going to happen with the Paralympics but I will just continue to prepare as if it is going ahead.

“All my focus has been on that for a long time - that won’t change.”

Kevin added: “I’m a big believer that he’s going to get the gold in Tokyo next year.”