A SCOTS soldier found a novel way to coin in cash for a Renfrewshire charity by running 52 marathons - one for each week of the year. 

7 Scots Sergeant Major Lee Penrice ran the length and breadth of the country last year to raise cash for Erskine Home. 

Running in all weathers, 45-year-old Lee, who is based in Dundee, completed 1,362.4 miles within a year. 

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Lee ran his last five miles on Hogmanay finishing at The Erskine Home, in Bishopton, after which he presented 104-year-old RAF Veteran John Haswell Young, known as Hasie, with a cheque for nearly £3,000.

Lee said: “For the last few years I have tried to do something for charity and after spending time at an Erskine Home I knew I wanted to fundraise for Erskine.  I think the work that charity does is amazing and I wanted to contribute in a small way.  Completing the challenge was a lot harder than I thought. 

"December was the hardest month as I was running almost every day and having recently found out I have arthritis in my knee it has been quite painful at times, but the fact that people were still donating and supporting me kept me going through the pain.  To everyone who supported me and donated, thank you.  I am delighted with the amount raised and hope it helps.”

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Jim Watret, Erskine Community Fundraiser for the West, said: “It is wonderful when active servicemen like Lee, are so keen to support our veterans.  There is a special bond between the currently serving and those who previously served. Lee’s challenge was incredible. He has raised a fantastic amount of money and we are eternally grateful for his support.”

To donate, visit Lee’s JustGiving page.

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