An Inverness man who combines training apprentices in the construction industry with professional refereeing of football matches is running 262 miles to aid the NHS.
Billy Baxter, who works for Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), has opted to put his time off on furlough to good use, undertaking 10 marathons throughout May.
Mr Baxter has been described as having a “heart of gold” for his efforts, which has so far mustered in excess of £1,100.
The 51-year-old has said he has been inspired by his daughter Katie who works for the NHS as a trainee nurse – and by his sister Pamela who is currently recovering after contracting Covid-19.
Mr Baxter said: “Inspired by some of the great things others are achieving right now in spite of the horrors of Coronavirus, I decided to set myself a challenge to try raise some money for the NHS.
“I have set myself a deadline of the end of May to complete all my marathons.
“I have a reasonable fitness level as a part-time referee – but 10 marathons is undoubtedly going to be a challenge!
“I’ve completed four so far – this warm weather is definitely helping.
“I have been incredibly touched and humbled by the generous donations which have been rolling into my Just Giving page.
“My aim was to raise £500, but already the total is well over £1,000.
“It would be fantastic just to raise as much as possible in order to help our incredibly brave doctors, nurses and hospital staff to continue to deliver their outstanding care.”
Mr Baxter’s daughter Megan has been supporting her father on social media, helping him create his first vlog following his journey, which is available to view on YouTube.
Further vlog updates are to be posted throughout the challenge.
Mr Baxter is running as part of the NHS ‘2020 Do What You Can’ virtual challenge, which he will record on his GPS watch during his one exercise session per day during lockdown.
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