A MARATHON runner is calling for one final fundraising push as he gets set to take on the London Marathon this month.

Scott MacDonald is tackling the 26-mile run to raise vital funds for Young Lives vs Cancer, a charity which focuses on supporting and treating children and young people fighting the deadly disease.

Last year, Scott was given the heart breaking news that, following initial successful treatment in 2020, his cancer had returned.

This prompted him to go on and do as much as he could for the charity and cites his own experience as a strong motivator for him.

“As an adult, I sometimes struggle to deal with cancer and all that it means,” he said. “The constant fear, the uncertainty, the hospital appointments, the treatments and so on.

“Although my cancer returned in 2023 following my initial diagnosis and treatment from early 2020, I still consider myself one of the lucky ones.

“I cannot imagine what it must be like for children and young adults to have to go through this when they are just starting out in life.

“Cancer can turn families’ lives upside down and I want to raise money to help Young Lives vs Cancer be there to support everyone who needs it.

“I’d love the local community to get behind my 26.2 mile marathon mission and sponsor me.”

Scott, from Sauchie, will set off on his run this Sunday, April 21 and has carried out a number of fundraisers to support his cause.

These have included 12 hour sponsored cycles and dyeing his hair bright pink for the full year.

Throughout the year, he has been aided in his mission by a number of people, who he was keen to highlight and give thanks.

These include Geodine Lange, Rohan MacDonald, Kev Coulter, Norman MacDonald, Kirsty MacDonald, Corin Gentles, Caitlin Carbury, Scott Charleston, Keira Lang and Katherine Nelson.

Scott added: “This will be my fourth marathon ever but it’s going to be a really big challenge for me given a recent leg injury that I have been nursing due to overtraining, but I’m so proud to be doing what I can to help children and young people living with cancer.

“I’ve personally seen the real difference the charity makes and thinking of that will get me across the finish line.”

Young Lives vs Cancer is the leading charity helping children and young people aged between 0-25 and their families live with their disease.

The charity’s social workers offer specialist support and provide families a place to stay that is near the hospital so they can be close to their child.

Sophie Hartley, mass participation events manager at Young Lives vs Cancer, added: “We can’t thank Scott enough for his amazing efforts, taking on the challenge of a lifetime for Young Lives vs Cancer.

“For every blister Scott has encountered and all the running and training he has done, we are in awe of his dedication and determination.

“We’d love to see the community get behind a final push for Scott’s fundraising. We can’t wait to cheer Scott and Team Young Lives all the way to the finish line.”

Scott’s fundraiser can be found here.