An Irvine man has walked 23 miles on a treadmill in his front garden for the Zak Scott Braveheart Foundation, a charity set up by a Kilwinning family after their son sadly passed away from complications during heart surgery.

Craig Long completed the walk in six and a half hours and has raised a fantastic £490 for the charity.

Craig said: “The day actually went by really quick. I had a few people coming to support me when they were out for their daily exercise, which really surprised me.

“I don’t think I could have done the full 23 miles without them.”

Irvine Times:

Mandy Howe, committee member for fundraising and Craig’s sister, said: “Fifteen of us were meant to do the Kiltwalk in Glasgow but obviously that was cancelled along with all our other fundraising events.

“My brother came up with this fantastic idea. My mum even came out for the first time in seven weeks to see him do the last mile.”

The Zak Scott Braveheart Foundation grants small wishes for children and young people being treated for heart disorders at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Glasgow.

The charity was set up in honour of Kilwinning boy Zak, who passed away in 2011. Zak’s mum, Roslyn, would often take gifts in for the ward whenever Zak came through an operation.

Mandy said: “For every child going through heart surgery, we grant them a wish which is personal to them. If it is a baby going through surgery, we gift the mum an identity bracelet with their name and a special message inside, like a keepsake.

“One teenage boy wanted a particular book so we got him a kindle with his favourite books on it.

“For children admitted into the ward we also give them Braveheart bears.

“We try to make their time in the hospital a positive one.

“I’m delighted and proud of Craig.”

You can donate via https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Craig-Long5