A TILLICOULTRY man has laced up his trainers for charity, discovering a new hobby in the process.

Ronnie Temprell (27) is getting set to take on a half marathon in October to raise money for the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society Scotland.

With a desire to carry out some fundraising, he decided to do something that would be meaningful to him.

He chose the organisation as a nod to a friend of his who lives with the condition – saying it is difficult to watch somebody go through it.

He said: “My friend has got MS and I’ve always liked my running. So I thought, why not put it to good use, raise some money and do it for MS.” It is hopefully the first charity endeavour of many to come and he has set a target of £500.

Ronnie added: “The Great Scottish Run sounds good, but I don’t know what else. Skydive, bungee jump, abseil, rock climb – this is the beginning of something new.” In preparation for the 13 mile run, which takes place in Glasgow, he has been putting in a good amount of training.

As well as doing regular jaunts to Alloa and Alva, around local streets and parks, he has also been making full use of Clackmannanshire’s hills.

The organised race is the first for Ronnie, who said: “I don’t think it will be the last because I’ve got a funny feeling I’m going to scrub this and want to go the 26 miles. So I’m going to need to train at least a year for that.” The challenge has helped motivate him and he is out of bed at 7am to run.

He has since discovered a passion for health and well-being and reckons everybody should do a mile a day – even if it’s only a walk.

Ronnie previously got into a spot of bother with the law for stealing a horse and riding it home, while returning from a night out.

The situation and Community Payback Order that followed got him thinking about what he wanted to do.

He has ambitions to encourage people to become more active, to help in the community and running has helped him focus.

He said: “I started running again just to clear the head, have a good think and see where I really want to go in life and what I really want to be.

“You can’t climb the ladder of success with your hands in your pockets or holding a controller.” To visit Ronnie’s JustGiving site head to www.justgiving.com/ronnie-t