Donald is a marathon man

Jan 24 2013 by Stuart Gillespie, Galloway News

A dad is aiming to raise thousands of pounds for charity by becoming a marathon man.

Donald Dunlop, of Castle Douglas, is competing in the London Marathon in April in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

And it’s a cause he holds dear as his late mum, Sheelagh, was involved in the Kirkcudbright Lifeboat Guild for many years.

Donald, a maintenance manager at Auchenlarie Holiday Park near Gatehouse, said: “My mum was an area organiser and raised money for them so it’s quite close to my heart.

“I did Kirkcudbright Academy Half Marathon last year and I suppose the London Marathon was on my ‘bucket list’ as it was something I’d always wanted to do.

“I applied for a place but missed out in the ballot. I looked into doing it for charity and decided to do it for the lifeboats. I had to go through a ballot system again and I need to raise £2,300, so I’m doing some fundraising events.”

Donald, who lives in King Street with wife Vicki and twins Yvie and Anna, has organised a charity dance in Castle Douglas Town Hall on Saturday, March 16, from 7.30pm.

As well as a bar, there will be music from “Not Guilty”. Tickets are available from Donald on 07967807375.

The race itself is on Sunday, April 21, and the 38-year-old admitted preparations haven’t been going to plan.

He added: “I’ve had a few injuries so I’ve had to go off it for a bit but I’ve been on the bike to keep my fitness up. I’ll be looking to start again in the next week or so but the weather hasn’t helped.”

● Anyone wishing to sponsor Donald can go to virginmoneygiving.com or use one of the sponsor forms available in the Stewartry.