Norman Neilson is hoping to make history with his latest charity challenge.
The 63-year-old from Dalbeattie is taking part in the GB Ultras Race Across Scotland – a 215 mile race along the Southern Upland Way from Portpatrick to Cockburnspath in August.
The retained firefighter is hoping to reach the finish for the third time – something no one else has managed.
He said: “I’ve done it twice but nobody has ever done it three times. I won’t be doing it a fourth time! I’m doing it for The Fire Fighters Charity because I’ll have been in the fire service for 34 years this year and they’re short of cash.”
The retired butcher’s training has been going well and saw him take part in the West Highland Way Race at the weekend.
He completed the 96 mile event in 26 hours and 17 minutes, putting him 71st out of 220 competitors.
He said: “It’s the fourth time I’ve done it, the last time was seven or eight years ago and I forgot how rough it was. It seems more stone and rock than before.
“I never, ever thought I’d be using it as a training run! It was tough, I felt sick in the last mile, loads of folk were sick with the heat, humidity and the midgies. I fell at 21 miles and managed to get myself picked up and didn’t think much of it, but on Monday morning my knee had swollen up.”
The GB Ultras Race Across Scotland starts on August 13. To sponsor Norman, visit www.justgiving.com/page/norman-neilson-1682072788194
Donations can also be made at Neilson Brothers Butchers in Dalbeattie.
