A WEE COUNTY runner has completed the Great North Run in aid of Play Alloa after the charity was hit by vandals.

Derek Paterson, 33, decided to make the most of his half marathon habit and support the organisation after having a conversation with one of the managers about the mindless destruction inflicted on its playground.

He told the Advertiser: “I hadn’t quite realised the extent of the damage. I knew some of the equipment would need replaced but I didn’t realise the cost of that.”

After it was revealed the bills could run into the thousands, Derek said he didn’t have to think twice about lending a hand.

“I know a few people who work there and know how valuable the service is,” he added. “It was just a case of anything I can do to help, I will do it.”

The Alloa man got into running in 2015, when he committed to running 5km every day during a dreich December. 

And after completing his fourth half marathon, he has signed up to do the Great Scottish Run for a second consecutive year and will continue his fundraising trail until then.

He said: “It’s been great. I set a target of £300 and I had raised that before I started the race, so I increased that to £500 and I’m nearly there.”

Derek has raised £435 so far and admitted the whole experience from gaining sponsorship to getting outdoors has been incredibly rewarding.

“It was the best half marathon I’ve done,” he said. “The atmosphere really is as good as it looks on the TV. Between that and knowing you’ve raised decent money makes it worthwhile.

“It’s good just getting out in the fresh air on your own. I have definitely noticed a difference in my fitness.”

Asked if he could put into words that feeling of crossing the finishing line, he joked: “It was better than I looked in the photos. There were professional photographers all the way round but the only ones they managed to catch was me at the end when I looked terrible.

“It felt great, finishing is a real sense of achievement.”

People can donate to Derek and Play Alloa’s cause at mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/derekpaterson