Highland League players past and present taking on 24-hour running challenge for MND-suffering Martin Johnston
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A GROUP of former and current Highland League footballers are taking on a 24-hour running challenge to raise money for charity.
Players based as far north as Shetland and as far south as Arbroath will be taking part in the run, which is aiming to raise £5000 for the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation.
Former Elgin City player Martin Johnston was diagnosed with motor neuron disease late last year.
The 25 players are aiming to raise money for his chosen charity – which funds research into the debilitating disease.
The run, which will start at noon on Saturday, July 11, was the idea of Keith Robertson, formerly of Keith and Deveronvale.
He said: "Martin is a friend and team mate to all of us and was diagnosed with MND in August.
"There were various activities planned but with coronavirus they haven't been able to take place.
"I saw all these football teams doing 24-hour running challenges so I asked Martin if we should do the same – and he said it was a great idea.
"Within a day we had filled the slots, which just goes to show how friendly the Highland League is. The support has been unbelievable.
"The main thing is raising money for charity and for Martin – he is a good guy and was a great player."
Within two days of setting up their JustGiving page, the group had raised £2000.
That is down to the generosity of the Highland League family, Keith added.
"I only put the fundraiser up on Wednesday afternoon and it's already at £2000 – we are pushing really hard and people are being very generous. It has been tremendous.
"The wide reach of locations is a help, and the fact it is such a friendly league that everyone remembers everyone.
"I've been getting messages from people who aren't in the 25 who are wanting to do something, too. We had enough people to run three or four races."
Deveronvale manager Stevie Dolan is one of a number of current Highland League figures taking part, along with Forres Mechanics' Stuart Soane.
Neil McRitchie (Keith), Michael Morrison (Forres, Buckie), James Milne (Buckie, Vale), Graeme Grant (Forres, Buckie) and Scotty Moore (Forres) are some of the Moray area names involved.
The draw for hour-long running slots takes place tonight – live on Facebook – with all players hoping to avoid a middle-of-the-night graveyard shift.
You can like the Facebook page and stay up-to-date HERE.
Donations to the cause can be made at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/keith-robertson6.
