AN East Renfrewshire dad is preparing to run, cycle, climb and walk to raise funds for a cause close to his heart.
Ewen Cameron, 55, will be taking part in a series of challenges over four months in aid of the British Heart Foundation (BHF).
The dad-of-two aims to run the 26.2-mile London Marathon on Sunday, April 23, and cycle 26 miles daily for 26 days in May on a Peloton or road bike.
Ewen, from Giffnock, also plans to walk 26 miles in under 12 hours in June from Glencoe to Glen Nevis, as well as climb 26 Munros in 26 days during August.
He told the Barrhead News: "I'm not going to lie as it all draws closer, I am wondering what on earth was I thinking!
"But seriously, I thought this would be a great way of keeping fit and motivated through the summer, and of course raise money for a charity that is very close to my family's heart."
Ewen's 12-year-old son Fraser will also take part in the walking and climbing challenges in June and August and it is not the first time the father and son have joined forces to raise money for the BHF.
In 2020, Fraser won a BHF Young Heart Hero Award after he raised more than £3000 by walking 100 miles with his dad along an ancient cattle trail stretching from Skye to Crieff.
The inspiration behind the duo's fundraising has been Ewen's mum and Fraser's granny Janette Cameron, who died of heart disease in 2019.
Ewen says: "Sadly, we know the heartbreak of losing a loved one to heart disease. My mum was a wonderful lady, hard-working and immensely proud of her family.
"She was a very talented home cook and I have brilliant memories of the parties with friends and family that she hosted with my dad when I was growing up. She loved nothing better than teaching her grandchildren to bake.
"My mum is never far from my thoughts and the reason that I am so passionate and committed to raising money for the British Heart Foundation."
Fraser is full of praise for his dad and says when he found out he was taking on this new challenge, he jumped at the chance to join him again.
He said: "I really enjoyed doing the long-distance walk with my dad and I just couldn’t believe it when I won a BHF Heart Hero Award. My granny was very special and we still miss her.
"She taught me how to bake and always took care of everybody. That's why we want to raise as much money as we can again, to help people like granny."
Ewen added: "It will be lovely to have Fraser joining me for the last two challenges. He is already a veteran of 68 Munros so will able to show me the way.
"We can keep each other going and are just hoping the weather is kind and the midges don't cause us too much trouble."
David McColgan, head of BHF Scotland, said: "To take on just one of these challenges would be a feat but to do all four – well, that's truly inspiring.
"We want to wish Ewen and Fraser all the very best for what lies ahead and will be with them in spirit every step of the way.
"It's only thanks to people like Ewen and Fraser that the BHF can continue to fund research to help keep families together and we are so grateful to have their support."
To support Ewen's fundraising efforts, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ewen-cameron5.
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