A Stirling lorry driver swapped his steering wheel for running shoes as he completed a gruelling charity effort to run 10k every day in February.
Grant Smith set himself the mission of running the distance every single day last month as he raised much needed funds for Strathcarron Hospice.
The 36-year-old, from Plean, works as a driver for Travis Perkins in Stirling.
He began running to get in shape last year and went from a complete beginner to completing the leg-breaking challenge.
Grant decided he wanted to make a difference and help the hospice continue its vital work. He was motivated after seeing the treatment his dad received whilst battling throat cancer.
To fit the marathon challenge in each day he would regularly run in the early hours of the morning before his shifts. His route saw him set off from the car park at the Borestone Bar at around 4.30am each day and head down Burghmuir Road, past Pure Gym, on to Stirling city centre. From there he headed towards Raploch, past the fire station and up towards the Albert Hall and along Port Street before heading back towards his starting point.
Speaking to the Observer, Grant said: “I began running last year – mostly to lose weight. Back then I was struggling to even do 5k.”
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Upon completing his challenge he added: “My legs are definitely feeling it now. With each day that passed I was having to strap up different body parts. It got harder and harder towards the end of the month, but it was worth it to raise the funds for Strathcarron.”
Grant had set himself the target of trying to reach £1,000. However, by the end of the month he had raised more than £1.300.
The hospice provides specialist palliative care and expert end-of-life care and relies heavily on donations and fundraising events.
Claire Kennedy, Corporate Fundraiser at Strathcarron Hospice, said: “What a hero! We’re so grateful to Grant for setting himself this incredible challenge for Strathcarron – dedicating his full month to the hospice. With early rises and long runs in all weathers, he really has gone above and beyond!
“The funds he has raised will provide more than 50 hours of specialist palliative and nursing care within the hospice, a remarkable gift and we extend our thanks to everyone who made this possible”.
Grant’s fundraising page remains open. To donate, click here.
