An Aberdeen father of two will run the London Marathon later this month to raise money for a local sensory loss charity which has supported his children.
Duncan Milne, 52, said he chose North East Sensory Services (NESS) because he had seen first-hand how his son and daughter have benefited from its extensive programme of activities.
His children, Fergus, 12, and Ailsa, 13, both have hearing loss and have been attending NESS’s Young People’s Sensory Service (YPSS).
The service is a free activity group designed to build confidence, independence, and social skills in young people with sensory loss, offering them the chance to try new hobbies and build friendships with their peers.
NESS supports thousands of blind and deaf people, and those with visual and hearing impairments, across Angus, Dundee, Moray, Aberdeen, and Aberdeenshire.
The charity’s main objective is to help people with sensory loss live as independently as possible, reducing the risk of isolation and helping them overcome the many challenges they face.
Duncan also coaches Aberdeen Grammar School’s rugby minis section, which Fergus plays for, and he is also raising money for the team.
The money raised from his marathon run will be split equally between both groups. He hopes to raise £1,000, and is more than halfway to his target already.
Duncan’s training is well underway ahead of the big day on Sunday, April 26. His JustGiving fundraising page is available here.
Duncan said: “I’ve always been into sports, but when it came to running it was usually with a ball at my feet or in my hands.
“I didn’t really start road running until 2010, partly due to increasing my fitness for my involvement with Scottish touch rugby and my partner competing in 10ks, so it gave me something to train for.
“Since then, I’ve completed quite a few 10ks and a couple of half marathons, but London will be my first and most likely only marathon.
“I used to watch it on TV as a boy and thought ‘One day I’d like to do that’.
“Both Fergus and Ailsa have benefited from YPSS. They put on lots of activities during the school holidays which allow the children to experience things they may not otherwise be able to.”
Emma Welsh, community partnerships co-ordinator at NESS, said: “We’re really grateful to Duncan for choosing to support NESS, and all of the funds he raises will go towards our programmes for local children and families.
“Every step he takes brings us closer to creating more life-changing experiences for young people with sensory loss.
“Duncan’s children attend our YPSS, and he knows first-hand what a difference it makes. Everyone here at NESS will be cheering him on as he runs in London.”