Easter Ross minister completes Hilton to Deephaven 'Moldova Marathon' for causes close to heart after discovering love of running during lockdown
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
AN Easter Ross minister has completed an epic solo marathon for causes close to his heart after discovering a love of running during lockdown.
The Reverend Andrew Macleod dubbed his effort – completed between the Seaboard village of Hilton and charity Blythswood's Deephaven base near Evanton – the Moldova Marathon.
And he has smashed an initial £2000 fundraising target with his inspirational effort, edging close to £5000 when gift aid is factored in.
The country holds a special place in the heart of the 28-year-old who has has staged a number of mission trips there over the past decade.
The last two scheduled visits to the Eastern European country had to be cancelled as a result of coronavirus restrictions.
To continue his support and back the "amazing work" of Blythswood, Re Macleod – nicknamed Mowgli – turned to his newfound inspiration of running to invite sponsorship of his marathon challenge, which he completed on Saturday.
He admitted: "The past year has been challenging for all of us in various ways, but I must say that running has been one major positive for me.
"I could not run past 5km in my mind, a year ago, but I cannot express how much I’ve enjoyed running. Being able to get out in the fresh air and get the benefits physically and mentally."
After setting himself the challenge of running a half marathon last year –creating the Seaboard Half with friends – he was well and truly bitten by the running bug and set his sights on the longer distance for the good causes.
After completing the run in an impressive three hours 35 minutes, he paid tribute to Aileen Stuart "the Highlands' best running coach" and friends and family, some of whom made the trip from his native Lewis to greet him at the finish line.
He called it "a special day, all to build the relationship with our Christian family in Biserica Sfânta Treime, Nisporeni", adding: "Thanks to so many of you for your generous donations for Blythswood Care and Moldova Support Group."
He was particularly grateful this weekend for the day of rest on the Sabbath.
His fundraising page can be found at https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AndrewMacleod11/1
