A NORTH Ayrshire runner fulfilled a lifelong dream last month - after drawing inspiration from her veteran father.

Stevenston woman Teri Evans started running just seven years ago, aged 40, starting out as a complete novice.

She decided to take part in the Couch to 5K programme before building her way up to running a 10K, then a half marathon, and then ran the Edinburgh marathon just two years ago.

Teri, now aged 47, has always dreamed of running one famous route in particular - the world renowned London marathon.

Last month she was able to achieve this goal, taking the the streets of the English capital and completing the 26.2 mile route.

Teri, who works as a student experience team lead at Ayrshire College, commented: “I never used to run, and would never have believed I would be running marathons a few years ago.

"I have just built up my fitness and endurance and now regularly attend Irvine Running Club.

"It was through the running club that I got my spot in the London Marathon, as they got an entry, and my name was picked out of a hat.

“Running a marathon takes over your life, as there are so many changes you need to make, like a strict training plan to follow and changing your eating habits, but it is definitely all worth it.

"London is the iconic marathon that every runner dreams of taking part in, so it was a lifelong dream! I also ran in 05:07:11 which was a personal best!”

In doing so, Teri raised over £1,000 for the Sight Scotland Veterans charity - a cause very close to home.

Her fundraising was inspired by her army veteran dad, Alexander Duncan, who started to lose his sight a few years ago due to macular degeneration and is now supported by the organisation.

Teri explained: "My dad has been incredibly fortunate to receive invaluable assistance and support from Sight Scotland Veterans since he began experiencing vision loss.

"The charity’s help and support has been so important in maintaining his independence and enabling him to engage in daily activities.

"It has provided him with essential equipment like screen readers, daylight lamps, driving glasses and a digital magnifier for reading that he uses regularly and is very grateful for."

Teri was also grateful to be supporting the charity's efforts locally through her marathon effort.

She added: "He (Teri's dad) regularly attends the Seamill Veterans Sight Support Group, which he really enjoys as it allows him to connect with fellow veterans and individuals coping with sight loss.

“I was so proud to be running the marathon for my dad and to raise money for Sight Scotland Veterans, it was great to give something back to the charity for all the help they have provided.

"We also arranged with them that all the money I raise would stay in Ayrshire, so that my dad and the group he attends could benefit, as he was in my thoughts a lot of the way round the 26.2 miles.”

Alexander Duncan, who was in the 4th Royal Tank Regiment for 14 years, said he could not be more proud of his daughter for her efforts.

He commented: “I’m so proud of Teri for running the marathon and for raising money for Sight Scotland Veterans.

"The charity has helped me with lots of things and I love going to my group each month, I can’t thank them enough.”​