Kilwinning man Fraser McLaren has raised £747 for the Irvine, Three Towns and Kilmarnock Christians Against Poverty debt centre by completing the Edinburgh Half Marathon.

The 24-year-old recorded a personal best time of one hour and 43 minutes, despite extremely challenging conditions.

Fraser had hoped to raise £500 for the debt charity, but absolutely smashed his target.

He said: "I am grateful to local people for being so generous and rallying round to support our local Christians Against Poverty (CAP) Debt Centre.

"I even received a donation from The Netherlands as a result of someone noticing my story which was featured in the Irvine Times.

"I am passionate about giving people struggling with the devastation of debt an opportunity to break free of this.

“CAP's Three Towns and Kilmarnock Debt Centre is providing free debt advice which is making a massive difference to people in our area who are struggling in debt and poverty.

"I also learned that money coaching from CAP is now being delivered for free to local clubs, community groups and employers to help people learn important budgeting skills.

"I am delighted the funds raised will help support the local team in providing free financial education for all."

CAP's Irvine Debt Centre Manager, Sandy Dickson, said: "We have just released our 2024 Client Report which reveals on average our Scottish clients have just over £10,500 worth of debt and organisations chasing them for nine different debts.

"Living on a low income alongside an unfortunate or unexpected change in circumstances can quickly lead people into unmanageable debt, especially with essentials costing so much right now.

"Debt can spiral out of control and often has a hugely negative impact on people's mental health. 

"Our new report reveals almost half of the people we are supporting say they had considered or attempted suicide as a way out of their debts before seeking help.

"This is the heartbreaking reality of how problem debt is impacting individuals and families right now in our community.

"At Christians Against Poverty we are able to offer free, professional, face to face debt advice to help local people in our area break free from the chains of debt, get back on their feet, and have the opportunity to not just survive but to also thrive.

“We are very grateful to Fraser for taking on this amazing challenge and helping to raise vital funds so we can continue helping local people. His efforts will help to change lives in Irvine, the three towns and Kilmarnock."

You can still play your part in helping the group tackle poverty and help more local people to become debt free by donating on Fraser's Just Giving Page via: https://www.justgiving.com/search?q=Fraser%2520McLaren. 

Visit capuk.org/help to find out more about the free help Christians Against Poverty offers.