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NORTH-EAST MAN TO RUN BERLIN MARATHON IN AID OF BEFRIEND A CHILD

A North-east man is to run the Berlin marathon next weekend to raise funds for a local children’s charity which works with vulnerable and underprivileged youngsters in Aberdeen City and Shire.

Raymond Stirton, Business Development Manager for Ellon-based Aubin Ltd, will undertake the 26.2mile challenge in the German capital on Sunday, September 25, in aid of Befriend A Child.

The 50-year-old, who lives in Insch, has clocked up over 700 miles during training runs since the start of the year – in places as far flung as Calgary, Siberia and the woods at Bennachie and Gartly Moor.

Ray will be joined on the starting line by his son Calum, who will be celebrating his 21st birthday on the day of the marathon, while his wife, Diane, and Calum’s girlfriend, Katie, will be in the crowd to cheer them on.

Having previously completed the New York marathon in 2007 in 4hours 39 minutes, Ray is hopeful of achieving a similar time in Berlin.

He said: “I am far from the build of a typical marathon runner so to complete the race would be a real achievement and to do it in under five hours would be fantastic. I am really looking forward to the event, and particularly to running alongside my son Calum, who will be 21 on the day.

“I heard about the work that Befriend A Child does recently and realised that a number of the youngsters they support are from the Northfield and Middlefield areas – which is where I was brought up – so I am hoping to raise some funds for them and put something back into two communities that will always have a special connection for me.”

If anyone would like to sponsor Ray for his Berlin Marathon challenge then they can donate via Befriend A Child’s Just Text Giving service by texting BACS01 £5 to 70070.

Established in 1975, Befriend A Child is Scotland's oldest befriending service for disadvantaged children. Working with social workers, care homes, health visitors, and other charities, Befriend A Child supports children aged 4-16 and continues to work with them up until the age of 18, if required.

The scheme became a registered charity in 1991 and in 2010 worked with more than 170 children in Aberdeen City - its largest number to date. It has also recently expanded its services into Aberdeenshire for the first time.

For more information about Befriend A Child, please call 01224 210 060, e-mail www.befriendachild.org.uk

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