AN ALVA man plans to complete two half marathons this year in aid of the Motor Neuron Disease Association (MNDA).

Gordon Glennie, 52, will take on the 13.1-mile course in Alloa this weekend, followed by the Rannoch Half Marathon in October.

He aims to raise £500 for MNDA, and to spread the word about the great work it does.

The organisation means a lot to Gordon and his family, as his wife mother passed away from the condition in 1997.

Since then, they set up a fund in her name, which allows them to pass on money to the charity and keep track of how much they raise.

Gordon told the Advertiser: "We like to do all we can to support them.

"We raise money and it all goes to the Motor Neuron Disease Association."

As a keen runner who regularly competes in the Alloa Half Marathon, Gordon was keen to try another race later in the year.

He said: "Because I fancied doing a second one I thought it would be a good way of raising awareness as well.

"I have been going out for long runs each weekend and shorter runs three or four times each week."

Despite the hefty training, Gordon joked that his biggest struggle has been finding times when the weather was nice enough to run in.

The MNDA coordinates care, support and research for people affected by Motor Neurone Disease in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Those looking to support Gordon's cause can visit his JustGiving page at tinyurl.com/y2bzp9wg